Yukon state of the environment interim report 2019 A report on environmental indicators Keno.

Acknowledgements Reviewers and contributors All photos © Government of Yukon, unless otherwise noted. Government of Yukon: Published April 2019 Department of Energy, Mines and Resources: Jim Bell (Land Planning), Michelle Sicotte (Forest Management) ISBN: 978-1-55362-833-0 Department of Environment: Tyler Williams, Kirsten Burrows, Janine Kostelnik, Jennifer Smith, Kelsey Russell, On the cover: The Hart River in winter Piia Kukka, Meghan Larivee. Oliver Barker, Bruce Bennett, Jessica Elliot, Amy Law Executive Council Office: Gary Brown Others: City of Whitehorse: Bryna Cable Environment and Climate Change Canada: Ellen Sedlack, Margaret Campbell Yukon Land Use Planning Council: Nick Gryzbowski Gamberg Consulting: Mary Gamberg Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Nathan Millar Table of contents

Highlights...... 2 Land

Introduction...... 5 Population of Yukon...... 29

Climate Change Community and local area planning...... 33

Trends in Yukon greenhouse Status of parks and protected areas...... 35 gas levels...... 6 Number, type and location of environmental and Arctic sea ice extent and volume...... 9 socio-economic assessments...... 38

Long-term precipitation variation...... 10 Recreational land use...... 39 Waste handled at the Whitehorse Waste Long-term temperature variation...... 12 Management Facility...... 40

Air Forest health...... 42 Wetlands...... 50 Levels of particulate matter...... 15

Presence of alien and introduced species...... 52 Organic pollutants in air...... 18

Water Fish and wildlife Species management plans...... 55 Snow accumulation...... 23 Community-based fish and wildlife work plans.. 57 Extreme high and low water in lakes and rivers.. 25 Caribou population and distribution...... 60 Yukon River ice break-up at Dawson City...... 28 Caribou mercury levels...... 62

Density of snowshoe hares...... 64

Winter tick surveillance...... 66

Sustainability of lake trout fisheries...... 67

Number of spawning Chinook salmon...... 69

Trumpeter swan population monitoring...... 71

Monitoring breeding waterfowl...... 73

Monitoring wild sheep and goat health...... 75 Highlights

Climate Change Yukon River ice break-up at Dawson City Ice break-up on the Yukon River at Dawson City now Trends in greenhouse gas levels occurs more than seven days earlier on average than in 2016 emissions were up 2.6 per cent since 2009. 1896. Eight of the 10 earliest recorded break-up events However, from a peak in 2011, emissions were lower in at Dawson City have occurred in the past 30 years. 2016 by 13 per cent. Transportation accounted for 62 per cent of Yukon’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Land 2016. Yukon’s total GHG emissions were 0.08 per cent of the national total in 2016. Population of Yukon Arctic sea ice extent and volume In 2016, there were 0.1 people per square kilometer in Approximately 300 km3 of sea ice is lost every year. Yukon. From June 2017 to June 2018, the total Yukon Remaining sea ice is becoming younger and thinner. population increased by 816 people, or 2.1 per cent.

Long-term temperature variation Community and local area planning Over the past 50 years, winters have warmed by an All eight Yukon municipalities have official community average of 4ºC. Yukon’s annual average temperature has plans. In 2018, eight local area plans were in place. increased by 2ºC, twice the global rate. Local area planning processes are currently underway for Marsh Lake, Fox Lake, Tagish, Alaska Highway West, and Fish Lake. Air Recreational land use Levels of particulate matter Between 2015 and 2016, 82 new Government of In 2016, Whitehorse had the lowest concentrations of Yukon campsites were added across the territory. fine particulate matter in urban areas across Canada. These include additional campsites at the Marsh Lake, Wolf Creek, Twin Lakes and Tombstone Mountain Organic pollutants in air campgrounds, and Conrad Campground on Tagish Lake. Air concentrations of two pesticides, This has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in the number hexachlorocyclohexane and endosulfan, are decreasing of campsites within 200 km of Whitehorse. at Little Fox Lake. Waste handled at the Whitehorse Waste Ten new flame retardants that are not regulated in Management Facility Canada were detected in air at Little Fox Lake. Air samples from 2015 to 2018 are currently undergoing In 2017, Whitehorse residents sent an average of chemical analysis. 710 kg of waste to the landfill. This is an increase from 610 kg in 2016. The increase mainly came from construction and demolition waste like the demolition Water of FH Collins. Twenty-seven per cent of waste was diverted from the Whitehorse landfill through recycling Snow accumulation and composting in 2017. The amount of water in snowpacks has increased an average of three per cent per decade at 14 long-term snow survey stations. 2016 and 2017 experienced below-average snow throughout Yukon.

Extreme high and low water in lakes and rivers Most river stations measured significant increased water flows in the winter months, when water is usually lower.

2 Yukon state of the environment interim report 2019 Fish and wildlife

Species management plans The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board have developed a draft conservation plan for grizzly bears in the territory. The draft plan presents a 25-year vision for grizzly bears in Yukon, and provides guidance to achieve this vision. Density of snowshoe hares 2006 and 2017 were the last peaks in the snowshoe hare cycle. Currently, the hare population cycle is in a decline phase. The peak population of the snowshoe hare cycle has been declining in the Kluane area since 1973. Number of spawning Chinook salmon In 2017, the spawning conservation target for Yukon River Chinook was met for the sixth time in the last 10 years. Monitoring wild sheep and goat health M. ovipneumoniae (m. ovi) testing has been completed for 244 thinhorn sheep and one mountain goat between 2015 and 2018. The m. ovi bacterium was not detected in any of these tested animals.

A report on environmental indicators 3 Mount Decoeli.

4 Yukon state of the environment interim report 2019 Introduction

The Yukon state of the environment report reflects Environment Act: State of Environment Report on the status of the environment and helps guide 47. (1) The Government of Yukon shall report publicly on future decision-making. This interim report presents the state of the environment pursuant to this Act. information on climate change, air, water, land, and fish and wildlife. (2) The purpose of this report under subsection (1) is: This report includes information available at the end of the 2018 calendar year. The base year for comparing a. to provide early warning and analysis of trend data in this report is 2016, because several potential problems for the environment; agencies require up to 24 months to complete data b. to allow the public to monitor the progress collection, compilation, analysis and reporting to the toward the achievement of the objectives of Government of Yukon. this Act; and This report tracks environmental indicators, which c. to provide baseline information for are key measurements used to monitor, describe environmental planning, assessment and and interpret change. Indicators cannot provide all regulation. of the information on a particular topic, but they give 48. (1) The Minister shall prepare and submit to the indications of how aspects of the environment are Legislative Assembly a Yukon State of the doing. The indicators featured in this report are based Environment Report within three years of the on criteria including data availability, data reliability, date this section comes into force and thereafter usefulness and ease of understanding. Indicators within three years of the date of the previous are used to evaluate and demonstrate whether report. environmental conditions are improving, remaining stable or declining. 50. (1) Commencing from the date of the first Yukon State of the Environment Report, for every This report represents a collective effort from scientific period of twelve consecutive months in which experts, government agencies, and non-governmental a Yukon State of the Environment Report is not organizations that have provided information, data and made, the Minister shall prepare an interim report advice. and submit it to the Legislative Assembly. (2) An interim report under subsection (1) shall comment on matters contained in the previous Yukon State of the Environment Report.

A report on environmental indicators 5 Climate Change

Yukon River Valley, Whitehorse. Photo: R. Cherepak.

Trends in Yukon greenhouse Yukon into consideration, including long distances from production centres, high demand for heat during cold gas levels winters and an isolated electricity grid. Significance What is happening? Greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap heat in the atmosphere, Yukon’s emissions keeping the Earth’s surface warmer than it would be in their absence. This process is essential for sustaining life The Government of Yukon is working with local and on the planet, but burning fossil fuels has increased the federal partners to achieve an accurate and consistent amount of GHGs in the atmosphere, which enhances emissions profile for Yukon. This profile is necessary to the warming effect. Global GHG levels are now at their support the effective policy development for minimizing highest in the last 800,000 years (IPCC 2014) because growth in Yukon’s overall GHG emissions. To date, two of human activity, resulting in climate change. data sets are available to support an understanding of Yukon’s overall GHG emissions: GHG emissions include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide among others. Carbon dioxide is ¡¡ Emissions estimates by Environment and Climate the principal contributor to human-caused increased Change Canada for Yukon found in the National atmospheric levels of GHGs; therefore, it is used as a Inventory Report 1990-2016: Greenhouse Gas basis to compare all greenhouse gases. Sources and Sinks in Canada. See: canada.ca/en/ Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) is the measure environment-climate-change/services/climate- most often used to compare emissions from various change/greenhouse-gas-emissions/inventory.html. GHGs based on their potential to contribute to global ¡¡ The Yukon GHG Inventory 2009-2016, developed warming. Tracking GHG emissions (in units of kilotonnes in partnership between the Yukon Bureau of of CO₂e) allows tracking of Yukon’s emissions across Statistics and the Department of Environment, time, identifying the major sources of emissions and with support from the Department of Energy, opportunities for reductions, as well as tracking Yukon’s Mines and Resources. This data is based on contributions to national and global emission levels. reliable fuel tax data collected under the Fuel The observed and predicted rate and magnitude of Oil Tax Act and held by the Government of temperature change in Yukon are among the largest in Yukon’s Department of Finance. See: Yukon.ca/ Canada. The Government of Yukon is taking action to greenhouse-gas-emissions-yukon. limit GHG emissions produced from its operations and those from key sectors. The Government of Yukon is also working on climate change adaptation in the short and long term. These measures take the unique challenges in

6 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Climate Change

800 e) 2 700

600

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400

300

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Kilotonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (ktCO equivalent dioxide carbon Kilotonnes 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Re-calculated emissions NIR data (2018)

Figure 1: Yukon greenhouse gas emissions reported by Environment and Climate Change Canada and by the Yukon Bureau of Statistics.

The Government of Yukon is continuing its work with ¡¡ After transportation, space heating from fuel oil the federal departments of Environment and Climate and propane is the next highest source of GHG Change Canada as well as Statistics Canada to improve emissions in Yukon at 18 per cent. Electricity accuracy in federal data collection and reporting. generation accounts for three per cent of Yukon’s Until federal data better reflects Yukon’s overall GHG emissions. emissions, the Government of Yukon considers fuel tax data from the Yukon Bureau of Statistics and National comparison Department of Finance as the most accurate. ¡¡ Canada is ranked among the highest of all Summary points from the Yukon GHG Inventory 2009- countries in the world in terms of per capita GHG 2016 data include: emissions. Canadians produced 704 megatonnes (704,000 kilotonnes) of CO₂e in 2016, about 17 ¡ Emissions were up by 2.6 per cent since 2009. per cent above 1990 levels (Environment and However, from a peak of 680 kilotonnes of CO₂e Climate Change Canada 2018). in 2011, emissions were lower in 2016 by 13 per cent. ¡¡ Per capita emissions in Yukon in 2016 were 16.4 tonnes per person. Compared to the per capita ¡¡ Yukon’s total GHG emissions for 2016 were 590 emissions of the 12 other provinces and territories kilotonnes of CO₂e. as reported in the National Inventory Report (NIR), ¡¡ Transportation accounts for the largest share of Yukon’s per capita emissions rank eight out of 13. greenhouse gas emissions in Yukon: 62 per cent of ¡¡ Yukon’s total GHG emissions contributed 0.08 per the total in 2016. cent towards the national total in 2016. • This means that passenger vehicles are a significant source of emissions in the territory.

A report on environmental indicators 7 Climate Change

The Government of Yukon is developing a new strategy that combines climate change, energy and green economy to enhance Yukon’s capacity to thrive in a rapidly changing climate. It is anticipated for release in late 2019. Climate change, energy and economy are interconnected. By addressing all three together, Yukon can plan for its future more effectively. We are working in close collaboration with Yukon and transboundary First Nations, the Inuvialuit, and Yukon municipalities to ensure the new strategy reflects the needs and priorities of all Yukoners. Data quality Previously, the GHG emissions indicator was based on data provided by the federal department of Environment and Climate Change Canada via the National Inventory Report (NIR), which presents GHG information annually for Yukon in kilotonnes of CO₂e by sector (Energy, Industrial Processes and Product Use, Agriculture and Waste). All national inventory reports are accessible online at: canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/ services/climate-change/greenhouse-gas-emissions/ inventory.html. The Government of Yukon considers the Yukon GHG Inventory 2009-2016, based on tax and finance data provided by Yukon Bureau of Statistics and Department Klondike Highway South. of Finance, as the most accurate data for Yukon-wide emissions. The Government of Yukon will continue to Taking action work with the federal departments of Environment and The Government of Yukon partnered with the Northern Climate Change Canada as well as Statistics Canada to Climate ExChange at Yukon College on developing a improve data accuracy, and in the meantime, will access Yukon Climate Change Indicators and Key Findings and report Yukon data from local sources to inform our report. This cross-sector, structured, evidence-based understanding of Yukon GHG emissions. assessment of Yukon climate change knowledge References synthesizes our current understanding, providing researchers, decision-makers and the general public Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2018 with an objective overview of the climate system and National Inventory Report 1990-2016: Greenhouse Gas any potential changes. Sources and Sinks in Canada. Pt. 3, p.40. Environment Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. The Government of Yukon released its first climate change action plan in 2009. We have balanced Government of Yukon. 2018. Greenhouse gas emissions monitoring and progress reporting of existing in Yukon. Available from: Yukon.ca/en/greenhouse-gas- commitments, with development of new actions to emissions-yukon. ensure work is relevant and up-to-date. Progress Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). reports in 2012 and 2015 included new climate 2014. Climate Change 2014 Synthesis Report. IPCC, change action commitments, and a 2018 update gave Geneva, Switzerland. Available from: ar5-syr.ipcc.ch. a snapshot of progress on previous commitments and summarized work underway.

8 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Climate Change

Arctic sea ice extent and volume

Significance Sea ice melt is one of the most visually striking global indicators of climate change, and is especially relevant for the circumpolar North. As ice melts over the Arctic Ocean, there is a significant shift in the energy balance between ocean, ice, and the atmosphere. A dark- coloured ocean surface absorbs more energy and allows it to be redistributed throughout Arctic systems, whereas light-coloured ice reflects energy back into space.

Arctic sea ice is melting as indicated by changes in the Beaufort Sea, ice along Herschel Island shoreline. extent and volume of ice across Arctic and northern oceans. Less and less ice is remaining from one year to the next, and the ice that lasts more than one season is thinning significantly. 10 The net result, if this trend continues, is that summer sea 8 ice will be nearly nonexistent across the Arctic by the end of the century. This has wide-ranging implications for the Arctic and the globe, including increased coastal 6 erosion, changes to atmospheric circulation in distant locations, damage to human infrastructure and negative 4

impacts on species that depend on sea ice. kilometers) square (millions extent ice Sea

2

What is happening? 0 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 ¡¡ Arctic sea ice is melting, reducing both the Year minimum annual sea ice area and its overall Figure 1: Arctic September sea ice extent. Source: National Snow and Ice Data Centre. volume.

¡¡ Sea ice melt appears to be accelerating, with most 20 of the melt occurring in the past decade.

¡¡ Figure 1 shows the annual extent (area) in 15 September (in millions of square kilometres) of Arctic sea ice with at least 15 per cent ice

concentration. 10

¡¡ Figure 2 shows the annual Arctic September sea ice volume (in thousands of cubic kilometres). Sea ice volume (thousands cubic kilometers) cubic (thousands volume ice Sea 5 ¡¡ September sea ice loss averages 90,000 km2 per year, although there is significant variability from one year to the next and more recent losses have 0 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 exceeded earlier losses. Year

¡¡ Approximately 300 km3 of sea ice volume is lost Figure 2: Arctic September sea ice volume. per year. Remaining sea ice is becoming younger Source: Polar Science Centre. and thinner.

A report on environmental indicators 9 Climate Change

References National Snow and Ice Data Center. 2015. Sea Ice Index, Version 1. University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA. Available from: nsidc.org/data/g02135.html. Osborne E., J. Richter-Menge and M. Jeffries, eds. 2018. Arctic Report Card 2018. Available from: arctic.noaa. gov/report-card/report-card. Polar Science Center, Applied Physics Laboratory. 1979- 2019. PIOMAS Daily Ice Volume Data, 1979-present [cited 2019 Jan 4]. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. Available from: psc.apl.uw.edu/ research/projects/arctic-sea-ice-volume-anomaly/data. Streicker J. 2016. Yukon Climate Change Indicators and Key Findings 2015. Northern Climate ExChange, Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Available from: yukoncollege.yk.ca/sites/ default/files/inline-files/Indicator_Report_Final_web. pdf. Beaufort Sea, ice along Herschel Island shoreline

Taking action Long-term precipitation variation The Government of Yukon partnered with the Northern Significance Climate ExChange at Yukon College on developing a Temperature and precipitation are the two most Yukon Climate Change Indicators and Key Findings commonly used variables to demonstrate changes in report. This cross-sector, structured, evidence-based climate. assessment of Yukon climate change knowledge synthesizes our current understanding, providing Monitoring the difference in annual precipitation researchers, decision makers and the general public with from the average of the past 30 years helps us to an objective overview of the climate system and any understand the rate and extent of changes occurring potential changes. Sea ice extent and volume are two in Yukon. Beyond the historic and projected trends for indicators presented in this report. increasing precipitation, the variability of our climate is also expected to increase. This will mean an increase Reducing GHG emissions in Yukon will help to reduce in extreme weather events (like storms) and greater the long-term negative impacts of the trends presented fluctuations in precipitation (rain and snow). in this indicator. Changes have started and are expected to continue to Data quality impact the distribution and abundance of vegetation, fish and wildlife in Yukon. Climate change is also ¡¡ The National Snow and Ice Data Centre gather expected to affect Yukon infrastructure, economy and satellite data to make calculations for sea ice communities, with water levels and extreme events extent. You can find this data at: nsidc.org/data/ playing a large part in this. g02135.

¡¡ For sea ice volume, the University of Washington Pan-Arctic Ice-Ocean Modeling and Assimilation System (PIOMAS) makes data available at: psc. apl.uw.edu/research/projects/arctic-sea-ice- volume-anomaly/data.

10 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Climate Change

What is happening? ¡¡ The three different lines in Figure 2 represent three potential precipitation futures based Annual precipitation on emissions scenarios developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. ¡¡ Precipitation variability is measured by the departure from a baseline – the 30-year average ¡¡ All scenarios show an increase in precipitation and from 1961 to 1990. Precipitation departures are its variability. given as a percentage change from this average (Figure 1).

¡¡ Precipitation has increased by about six per cent over the past 50 years.

¡¡ The largest increase in precipitation occurred in summers.

¡¡ There is variability in terms of where precipitation occurs in the territory, and what time of year it occurs.

1000.0

900.0

800.0 Fog at Samuel Glacier. Photo: Cathie Archbould.

700.0 Precipitation (mm) Precipitation

600.0 1000.0

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400.0 800.0 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090 2100 2110

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700.0

Figure 1: Yukon annual precipitation variability, 1950-2016. (mm) Precipitation Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Climate Research

Branch (2016) Climate Trends and Variations Bulletins. 600.0

500.0 Projected precipitation

400.0 ¡¡ Global studies, including the 2014 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090 2100 2110 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Year Assessment Report, show that climate scenarios Figure 2: Yukon projected annual precipitation anomalies (A2, A1B, B1)*. project a significant increase in precipitation over Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Climate Research the next 50 years (Figure 2). Branch (2016) Climate Trends and Variations Bulletins. * A2, A1B and B1 are different future emission scenarios that have been developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Further detail on those scenarios can be found at: ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/ar4-wg1- chapter8-supp-material-1.pdf.

A report on environmental indicators 11 Climate Change

Taking action References The Government of Yukon partnered with the Northern Environment and Climate Change Canada, Climate Climate ExChange at Yukon College on developing a Research Branch. 2014-2015. Climate Trends and Yukon Climate Change Indicators and Key Findings Variations Bulletins [modified 2018 Dec 10; cited 2016 report. This cross-sector, structured, evidence-based Jan 9]. Available from canada.ca/en/environment- assessment of Yukon climate change knowledge climate-change/services/climate-change/science- synthesizes our current understanding, providing research-data/climate-trends-variability/trends- researchers, decision-makers and the general public variations.html. with an objective overview of the climate system Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). and any potential changes. Precipitation change and 2014. Climate Change 2014 Synthesis Report. IPCC, projections are two indicators presented in this report. Geneva, Switzerland. Available from: ar5-syr.ipcc.ch. Reducing GHG emissions will help to reduce the long- Scenarios Network for Alaska Planning (SNAP). 2011. term negative impacts of the precipitation trends Climate Projections for Yukon. Unpublished Data presented. produced for the Northern Climate ExChange, Yukon Data quality College, Whitehorse, Yukon. Streicker J. 2016. Yukon Climate Change Indicators ¡¡ The data are exclusively from Environment and and Key Findings 2015. Northern Climate ExChange, Climate Change Canada’s Climate Trends and Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College, Whitehorse, Variations Bulletins. Yukon, Canada. Available from: yukoncollege.yk.ca/sites/ ¡¡ Northern BC is included in Environment and default/files/inline-files/Indicator_Report_Final_web. Climate Change Canada’s regional separation of pdf. the data, meaning the results could be skewed towards southern Yukon. Long-term temperature variation

¡¡ There is uncertainty in the identified trends for Significance precipitation because data are collected over a large area with uneven coverage (particularly for Temperature and precipitation are the two most winter precipitation), and because of differences in commonly used variables to demonstrate changes in instrument methodology over time. climate. Global studies, including the 2014 Intergovernmental ¡¡ Data is currently only available to 2016 because Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report, of changes to precipitation monitoring within show that the Arctic is warming more quickly than other Environment and Climate Change Canada. The regions. update and reporting of historical adjusted precipitation trends and variations is currently on Climatic changes have started to impact the distribution hiatus pending extensive data reconciliation. and abundance of vegetation, fish and wildlife in Yukon. Climate change is also affecting Yukon infrastructure, ¡¡ However, these data findings are supported by economy and communities. local Yukon and Northern-specific research and data that can found in the Yukon Climate Change What is happening? Indicators and Key Findings report. Annual temperature ¡¡ The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Monitoring the temperature departures from the average (IPCC) is the leading international body for the over the past 30 years helps us to understand the rate assessment of global climate change. The IPCC and extent of changes occurring in Yukon. Fifth Assessment Report is a reputable synthesis of current climate change knowledge captured ¡¡ Temperature variability is measured by the from 9,200 peer-reviewed scientific publications. departure from a baseline – the 30-year average from 1961–1990. Temperature departures are given as a change in ºC from this average (Figure 1).

12 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Climate Change

3.0 ¡¡ The three different lines in Figure 2 represent 2.5 three potential temperature futures based

2.0 on emissions scenarios developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 1.5 C) ° ¡ 1.0 ¡ All scenarios show an increase in temperature and its variability. 0.5

Temperature anomaly ( anomaly Temperature 0.0

-0.5

-1.0

-1.5

-2.0 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

Year

Figure 1: Yukon annual temperature variation, 1950-2016. Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Climate Research Branch (2017) Climate Trends and Variations Bulletins.

Over the past 50 years:

¡¡ Yukon annual average temperature has increased by 2ºC, twice the global rate.

¡¡ Winters are warming more than other seasons, with an average increase of 4ºC.

Projected temperature

¡¡ Global studies, including the 2014 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report, show that climate scenarios project a significant increase of more than 2ºC in temperature over the next 50 years (Figure 2). Yukon projected precipitation (A2, A1B, B1)

8.0

7.0

6.0 C)

° 5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0 Temperature anomaly ( anomaly Temperature Yukon River Valley, Whitehorse. Photo: R. Cherepak. 0.0

-1.0 * A2, A1B and B1 are different future emission scenarios that have been -2.0 developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Further detail on 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090 2100 2110 Year those scenarios can be found at: ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/ar4-wg1- chapter8-supp-material-1.pdf. Figure 2: Yukon projected annual temperature anomalies (A2, A1B, B1)*. Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Climate Research Branch (2016) Climate Trends and Variations Bulletins.

A report on environmental indicators 13 Climate Change

Taking action ¡¡ The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for the The Government of Yukon partnered with the Northern assessment of global climate change. The IPCC Climate ExChange at Yukon College on developing a Fifth Assessment Report is a reputable synthesis Yukon Climate Change Indicators and Key Findings of current climate change knowledge captured report. This cross-sector, structured, evidence-based from 9,200 peer-reviewed scientific publications. assessment of climate change knowledge about Yukon synthesizes our current understanding from References numerous sources both local and national, providing Environment and Climate Change Canada, Climate researchers, decision-makers and the general public Research Branch. 2017. Climate Trends and Variations with an objective overview of the climate system and Bulletins [modified 2017 Aug 9; cited 2018 Sep 4]. the changes we are seeing. Temperature change and Available from: canada.ca/en/environment-climate- precipitation are two indicators presented in this report. change/services/climate-change/science-research-data/ Reducing GHG emissions will help to reduce the climate-trends-variability/trends-variations.html. long-term negative impacts of the temperature trends Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). presented here. 2014. Climate Change 2014 Synthesis Report. IPCC, Data quality Geneva, Switzerland. Available from: ar5-syr.ipcc.ch. Scenarios Network for Alaska Planning (SNAP), 2011. ¡¡ The data found in Figure 1 and 2 are exclusively Climate Projections for Yukon. Unpublished Data from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s produced for the Northern Climate ExChange, Yukon Climate Trends and Variations Bulletins. College, Whitehorse, YT. ¡¡ The data spans from 1948 to present and are Streicker J. 2016. Yukon Climate Change Indicators and complete. Northern BC is included in Environment Key Findings 2015. Northern Climate ExChange, Yukon and Climate Change data. Research Centre, Yukon College, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Available from: yukoncollege.yk.ca/sites/default/ ¡¡ Canada regionally separates the data, meaning files/inline-files/Indicator_Report_Final_web.pdf. results could be skewed towards southern Yukon.

¡¡ However, these data findings are supported by local Yukon and Northern-specific research and data that can found in the Yukon Climate Change Indicators and Key Findings report.

14 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Air

Whitehorse winter day.

Levels of particulate matter Health effects The size of particles is directly linked to their potential Significance for causing health problems. Smaller particles pose large Yukoners have come to expect a healthy natural health problems, as these particles can more readily get environment. It is the responsibility of the Government deep into the lungs and potentially into the bloodstream of Yukon to protect public health and the environment, (Haikerwal et al. 2015). Fine particulate matter also as identified in Yukon’s Environment Act and Public stays airborne for longer periods than coarse particulate Health and Safety Act. matter (as coarse PM settles to the ground faster), and are therefore associated with longer exposure periods. Levels of particulate matter in our air are a significant indicator with respect to human health, as these fine Residential wood burning for heating is estimated to microscopic airborne particles can enter the bloodstream be the largest source of harmful fine particulates in the through the lungs, and may contribute to short- or long- Whitehorse area during cold winter months. term health problems. Exposure to particulate matter has been linked to a Particulate matter are microscopic airborne particles variety of health issues. Inhalation can irritate lungs and that come in either solid or liquid form. Small particles of airways, make it harder to breathe, and worsen chronic concern include: conditions such as heart disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. ¡¡ fine particulate matter, such as those found The elderly, children, and people with chronic respiratory in wood smoke, that are smaller than 2.5 illnesses are most at risk, but even healthy people can micrometers in diameter (PM ); and 2.5 experience temporary symptoms. ¡¡ coarse particulate matter, such as those found Exposure to particulate matter has been scientifically near roadways and industrial activities (e.g., proven to be detrimental to both public health and the quarries), that are larger than PM 2.5, but smaller environment. Sources of fine particulate matter in Yukon than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10). include:

A report on environmental indicators 15 Air

Natural sources Human sources Inversions act like a cap on the atmosphere, preventing the dispersion of pollutants away from valley bottoms. Forest fires: Although the Emissions from fossil In Yukon, the two most populated communities, predominant air flow is fuel burning, such as Whitehorse and Dawson City, are located in valleys. westerly (from Alaska), transportation, electricity smoke from fires in BC generation, oil and gas. What is happening? and the NWT occasionally The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators affect Yukon’s air quality. Air Quality Report, for which National Air Pollution Wind-blown dust from Wood burning for Surveillance data is based on, shows the following gravel roads, especially in residential / commercial highlights about the average concentrations of fine spring. heating, land clearing, or particulate matter in Canada: recreational burning. ¡ ¡ Since 2002, average PM2.5 concentrations have Pollen. Incineration or open consistently remained below the 2020 standard burning of waste. across all regions of Canada, except for the first two years in southern Quebec. Volcanic activity, Fugitive dust from sometimes from as far vehicles, quarrying or ¡¡ An increasing trend was detected for the average away as Asia. construction. concentrations in Atlantic Canada and the PM2.5 Prairies and northern Ontario region. A decreasing trend was found for southern Quebec. Yukon Ambient Air Quality Standards have been developed under the Environment Act to protect human ¡¡ The key results in urban areas from 2016 health and the environment. The Government of Yukon show that Whitehorse recorded the lowest monitors levels of PM 2.5 in Whitehorse. Continuous, concentrations of fine particulate matter from 24/7-monitoring of PM2.5 provides an indication of the across Canada. state of, and trends in, local air quality. It is in addition to Annual ambient concentration in micrograms per cubic metre providing a point of comparison of Yukon air quality to 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 national results. Windsor, ON 8.3 Quebec City, QC 8.2 Other environmental effects Regina, SK 8.1 Yellowknife, NT 7.8

Particulate matter may also affect the environment Hamilton, ON 7.8 through: Kitchener, ON 7.3 Montreal, QC 7.1 ¡¡ High pollution levels impairing visibility, which Toronto, ON 7.0 may affect driving, aviation, and outdoor sports St. Catharines - Niagara, ON 6.9 Saskatoon, SK 6.8

or recreational activities like fishing, hiking, or London, ON 6.8 camping. Edmonton, AB 6.4 Oshawa, ON 5.9 ¡¡ Changing nutrient and/or acidity balance in soil or Fredericton, NB 5.8 water when particulate matter carried by the wind Ottawa, ON 5.8 Winnipeg, MB 5.8

settles on the ground. Gatineau, QC 5.6

Calgary, AB 5.2

¡¡ Black carbon, a component o , is considered St. John's, NL 5.1 f PM2.5 a short- lived climate pollutant (SLCP). These Sherbrooke, QC 5.0 pollutants have a relatively short lifetime in the Halifax, NS 5.0 Vancouver, BC 4.5

atmosphere – a few days to a few decades – and Victoria, BC 4.3 are generally more potent than carbon dioxide in Charlottetown, PE 3.8 terms of their climate warming potential. Whitehorse, YT 3.4

Temperature inversions, when air higher in the Figure 2: Average fine particulate matter concentrations, atmosphere is warmer than air closer to the earth, can selected Canadian urban areas, 2016. increase the impacts of particulate matter pollution. Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2018) Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators: Air Quality.

16 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Air

Taking action ¡¡ The Government of Yukon is nearing completion participating in a national Health Canada ¡¡ The Government of Yukon is continuing to monitor study: Outdoor Air Pollution Exposure and Risk fine particulate matter in Whitehorse and Dawson Assessment. The study examined the oxidative City. This study is continuing to collect data and the relationship with human potential of PM2.5 from eight monitoring stations in Whitehorse health concerns, including lung cancer and heart and one in Dawson City. Data will be used to attacks. Sampling at the downtown Whitehorse determine the levels and spatial variability of PM2.5 NAPS station began in the spring of 2016 and pollution in the various neighbourhoods, and ended in December 2018. Results and a report subsequently enable partners to make decisions will be prepared by Health Canada in 2019. on actions that need to be taken in high-pollutant neighbourhoods. The results are anticipated to be available at the termination of the study in 2020.

¡¡ Monitoring Yukon’s air quality occurs as part of the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) program, which monitors the quality of ambient air in urban areas and provides long-term air quality data of uniform standard across the country. A Memorandum of Understanding establishes the collaborative effort of the program between the federal, provincial, territorial and some municipal governments. Jurisdictions use the air quality data compiled by NAPS to assess and report on the state of the air and to develop programs to address priority air quality issues in air zones. Data provided by NAPS also support public information tools, such as the Air Quality Health Index and the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators. NAPS data can be accessed from the Canada- wide air quality database, available at: maps- cartes.ec.gc.ca/rnspa-naps/data.aspx.

¡¡ In the spring of 2016, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) was launched for Whitehorse. The AQHI is a public information tool that helps Canadians protect their health on a daily basis from the adverse effects of air pollution. The AQHI is calculated based on the relative risks of a combination of common air pollutants, including ozone, particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide; the data is collected from the Whitehorse NAPS station.

¡¡ Data provided by NAPS also support public information tools, such as the Air Quality Health Index and the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators.

NAPS station in Whitehorse.

A report on environmental indicators 17 Air

Data quality Organic pollutants in air ¡ ¡ NAPS data are quality-controlled, assured, Significance and standardized by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Government of Yukon’s Organic pollutants, such as flame retardants and Department of Environment for inclusion in the pesticides, are human-made chemicals that may Canada-wide air quality database. contaminate ecosystems. Wind and water can carry these chemicals away from their sources to reach ¡¡ The Whitehorse NAPS station, located in places like the Arctic, where they have never been used downtown Whitehorse, continuously monitors before. They tend to settle in colder climates and once particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ground- deposited, can enter Arctic ecosystems. Many of these level ozone. contaminants are toxic and can accumulate in the food chain, affecting the health of wildlife and humans. ¡¡ Air quality data collected at the NAPS station are not representative of air quality throughout Measuring how much organic pollutants are present in Whitehorse or Yukon because of differences Arctic air over time will provide us with information on: in geographical layout, population density and ¡¡ whether their concentrations are decreasing, pollution sources. increasing or not changing over time; ¡¡ Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators ¡¡ where these chemicals have come from; (CESI) measure the progress of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, report to ¡¡ how much of each chemical comes from which Canadians on the state of the environment, and region; and describe Canada’s progress on key environmental sustainability issues. The indicators, built on ¡¡ what climate conditions influence their movement rigorous methodology, are added and updated as to the Arctic. new, high quality data become available. This information can inform policies that limit emissions and may reduce what comes into the Arctic. References Results about how organic pollutant concentrations Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2018. change in air can be used to negotiate and evaluate Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators: Air the effectiveness of domestic and international quality [cited 2019 Jan 2]. Available from: canada.ca/en/ control agreements and to assess the risks of new environment-climate-change/services/environmental- contaminants. The results are also used to test indicators/air.html. atmospheric models that explain contaminant Haikerwal A., M. Akram, A. Del Monaco, et al. Impact movement from sources in the South to the Arctic. of Fine Particulate Matter (PM ) Exposure During 2.5 What is happening? Wildfires on Cardiovascular Health Outcomes. Journal of the American Heart Association: Cardiovascular ¡¡ Air samples have been continuously collected at and Cerebrovascular Disease. 2015;4(7):e001653. the Little Fox Lake Station in Yukon since August doi:10.1161/JAHA.114.001653. 2011. United States Environmental Protection Agency. n.d. ¡¡ The detection of these chemicals in the remote Particulate Matter (PM) Basic Information [modified subarctic site of Little Fox Lake demonstrates their 2016 Feb 23; 2019 Jan 2]. Available from: epa.gov/pm- long-range transport through air and suggests pollution. that they could contribute to the chemical Yukon Department of Health and Social Services. 2015. contamination of remote areas such as the Arctic. New study to monitor Whitehorse air quality [News release]. Available from: gov.yk.ca/news/15-344.html. ¡¡ The air concentrations of two pesticides, hexachlorocyclohexane and endosulfan, are decreasing at Little Fox Lake.

18 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Air

¡¡ Measurement results show that globally regulated ¡¡ Air samples taken at Little Fox Lake in 2015 to flame retardants (e.g., some of the polybrominated 2018 are currently undergoing chemical analysis diphenyl ethers) have declined from 2012 to to investigate if the concentrations of new flame 2014. Canada regulated these flame retardants in retardants are changing with time. 2008 and they have been regulated globally since 2009. ¡¡ In warm seasons, organic pollutants tend to stem from potential sources in Northern Canada, the ¡¡ Conversely, 10 new flame retardants that are not Pacific and East Asia. In cold seasons, they mainly currently regulated were detected in air at Little came from the Pacific Rim. One example of this Fox Lake (Figure 1). is a new flame retardant called 2-ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (Figure 2). ¡¡ Organophosphate esters flame retardants and plasticizers were monitored and detected in samples taken in 2015.

Figure 1: Regulated flame retardants at Little Fox Lake showed declining tendency from 2012 to 2014. Flame retardants found in air in Little Fox Lake that are currently not regulated (Yu et al. 2015).

Air monitoring station at Little Fox Lake. Photo: Pat Roach.

A report on environmental indicators 19 Air

Figure 2: Maps showing potential source regions for one of the new flame retardants detected at Little Fox Lake, 2-ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate. The maps indicate that (a) in the warm seasons most of this chemical observed at Little Fox Lake stemmed from sources in Canada, the Pacific and East Asia; (b) in cold seasons they mainly came from the Pacific Rim. Black dots on map show potential paths of movement of wind carrying this chemical reaching Little Fox Lake.

20 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Air

Air monitoring station at Little Fox Lake. Photo: Pat Roach.

Taking action These data also support the Arctic Council’s Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme that provides The federal Northern Contaminants Program has information on the status and threats to the Arctic measured organic pollutants in air in Yukon since 1992 environment, and provide scientific advice on actions to during three short term studies at Tagish (December be taken to support Arctic governments in their efforts 1992 to March 1995) and Little Fox Lake (July 2002 to to take remedial and preventive actions relating to July 2003 and August 2007 to October 2009). contaminants. Continuous measurements are now conducted at Little Fox Lake since August 2011 to determine: Data quality

¡¡ if the air concentrations are declining for chemicals ¡¡ Data are available for air samples taken once a that are under domestic and international month using a flow-through air sampler, which regulations, showing these regulations are does not require electrical power to operate, at the effective; Little Fox Lake station.

¡¡ where these chemicals have come from, and how ¡¡ Air concentrations of different chemicals may vary much from which region; and with seasons.

¡¡ if new chemicals that are currently not under ¡¡ The target chemical list includes pesticides, flame control can enter Yukon by wind. retardants and plasticizers. New chemicals are added to this list from time to time to assess The Little Fox Lake data are provided to support chemicals that may be of concern to the Arctic the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic environment. Pollutants – a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of these pollutants. Signatories to the convention work towards controlling how much and what kind of persistent organic pollutants humans release into the environment.

A report on environmental indicators 21 Air

References United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). 2015-2016. Stockholm Convention on POPs [cited Arctic Council. n.d. Arctic Monitoring and Assessment 2016 Mar 3]. Available from: chm.pops.int/default.aspx. Programme (AMAP) [cited 2019 Jan 2]. Available from: amap.no. Yu Y., H. Hung, N. Alexandrou, P. Roach, K. Nordin. 2015. Multiyear measurements of flame retardants and Government of Canada. n.d. Northern Contaminants organochlorine pesticides in air in Canada’s western Program [cited 2019 Jan 2]. Available from: science. sub-arctic. Environmental Science & Technology 49 (14): gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_7A463DBA.html. 8623 – 8630. Hung H., Y. Yu, M. Shoeib, T. Harner, A. Steffen, D. Muir, C. Teixeira, L. Jantunen, P. Fellin, P. Roach, F. Wania. 2015. Northern Contaminants Air Monitoring: Organic Pollutant Measurement. Pages 161-171 in Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Synopsis of Research Conducted under the 2014-2015 Northern Contaminants Program. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Available from: pubs.aina.ucalgary.ca/ncp/ Synopsis20142015.pdf.

Five Mile Lake.

22 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Water

Caribou River, Peel Watershed.

Snow accumulation Overall, climate change projections generally indicate an increase in winter precipitation over a shorter Significance snowfall period (a trend in earlier snowmelt has been identified and this is expected to continue), and a higher The amount of snow on the ground across Yukon proportion of precipitation occurring as rainfall. These is determined through measuring the snow water contradicting climate processes may induce a complex equivalent (SWE) at survey stations. There are 52 response that may vary significantly by region and over snow survey stations across Yukon and a number of time. complementary instruments that measure snow on the ground on a continuous basis. This is a measurement of the liquid water volume held within a snowpack that can become available when melted. The SWE throughout and at the end of winter has an influence on a number of hydrological and related processes:

¡¡ It is a major component of spring freshet and therefore influences flood forecasting. Larger- than-average SWE contribute to an increased likelihood of higher spring flows .

¡¡ The SWE can also influence the timing and severity of river ice break-up.

¡¡ A higher SWE (deeper snow) acts to further insulate the ground surface from cold winter air

temperatures and can promote permafrost thaw Dog mushing in Ibex Valley. Photo: F. Mueller. during the following summer.

¡¡ Low SWE can increase the likelihood of wildfire risk at the beginning of summer.

¡¡ In the long term, SWE can generate shifts in vegetation.

¡¡ Finally, the duration of the snow season significantly affects transportation.

A report on environmental indicators 23 Water

¡¡ The stations at both Log Cabin and Meadow Creek showed significant increasing trends in snow accumulation; these were +6 per cent and +4 per cent per decade, respectively.

¡¡ Recently low snow years have resulted in no significant trends within the Liard drainage.

¡¡ There were no significant trends noted at any of the Central Yukon stations.

¡¡ Mayo Airport shows a significant increasing trend in snow accumulation of five per cent per decade. Taking action The Government of Yukon’s Water Resources Branch staff continue to collect data, as do their partners in Yukon’s remote areas including private contractors and staff from the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. Water Resources compiles and quality controls all snow accumulation data. Data quality

¡¡ Access archived snow survey bulletins: Yukon.ca/ snow-surveys-and-water-supply-forecasts.

Wolf Creek snow survey. ¡¡ Current snow survey data from across Alaska and Yukon can be viewed on an interactive map made What is happening? available through a United States Department of Agriculture webpage at nrcs.usda.gov. There has been a significant increase in the snow water equivalent, measured at three of the 14 long-term snow ¡¡ There are currently 52 snow survey stations survey stations analyzed. None of the sites measured located across Yukon, with an additional four in showed significant decreasing trends. Including all 14 adjacent areas of Alaska and British Columbia locations, the average increase in snow water equivalent that are used by Water Resources. Most areas per decade is three per cent. It is important to note that of Yukon have good spatial coverage with the there are no stations with long-term records available in exception of the far north, where stations are the far north of the territory (basins draining directly into sparse. the Arctic Ocean). References Recent years (2016 and 2017) have experienced below average snow throughout most of the territory. This McLeod A.I. 2011. Kendall: Kendall rank correlation has resulted in three locations that previously indicated and Mann-Kendall trend test. R package version 2.2. significant increasing trends (Watson Lake, Frances Available from: CRAN.R-project.org/package=Kendall. River, and King Solomon Dome) to fall slightly below Wickham H. 2009. ggplot2: Elegant Graphics for Data what is considered statistically significant (p-values Analysis. Springer-Verlag New York, USA. <0.1). The influence of recent years does not change the overall interpretation of the data, which in general, suggest an increasing maximum snowpack over time, resulting from an increase in winter precipitation.

24 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Water

Snowmobiling at Fish Lake. Photo: Marten Berkman

Extreme high and low water in ¡¡ In turn, low flows in lakes and rivers can cause: lakes and rivers ¡¡ Increased concentrations of dissolved contaminants, such as metals, which can Significance negatively affect aquatic ecosystems and human A range of short and long-term processes affects water health. levels in Yukon lakes and rivers, including: ¡¡ Low hydroelectric production and therefore higher ¡¡ the timing and magnitude of snowmelt; greenhouse gas emissions.

¡¡ the phase and intensity of precipitation; ¡¡ Negative impacts on water consumption (agriculture, municipal, industrial) and aquatic life. ¡¡ permafrost thaw and groundwater flux variations; Increased flows in winter, which is normally a low- ¡¡ shifts in vegetation; flow time of year, are one of many climate change driven hydrological trend. It results from warming ¡¡ morphological adjustments; and air temperatures, a shorter cold season, degrading permafrost, and in some locations, increased ¡¡ melting glaciers. precipitation. Such a trend is expected to continue with The response in water levels and flows to these future warming. processes may vary in different regions of the territory. High flows and more intense river ice break-up conditions in river systems can cause:

¡¡ Increased sediment and contaminant mobilization and transport, affecting human health, drinking water and ecosystems.

¡¡ Increased flooding potential in populated areas, which can result in direct impact on the health and security of people, infrastructure loss, transport interruption, and other economic costs.

A report on environmental indicators 25 Water

had a median increase rate of +9 per cent per decade. In turn, Figure 2 shows that most (25 of 26) long-term river stations did not show a significant trend for annual maximum river flow. The majority of stations examined are monitoring hydrological conditions on large rivers (22 of 26 have drainage areas greater than 1,000 km2).

Takhini River flowing into Kusawa Lake

What is happening? Figure 1: Trends in annual minimum river flow. Trend significance is Annual river flow represented by p-values. Period of record varies by station and includes information until 2016. Thirty stations across Yukon are used for trends in annual minimum and maximum river flows: Annual lake levels ¡¡ Yukon River: 17 stations Annual minimum and maximum water levels are monitored at three Yukon lakes: ¡¡ Alsek River: 3 stations ¡¡ Bennett Lake (as part of the Bennett – Tagish – ¡¡ Liard River: 3 stations Marsh Lake system) ¡¡ Peel River: 2 stations ¡¡ Kluane Lake ¡¡ Porcupine River: 1 station ¡¡ Teslin Lake Twenty-four of 26 long-term river stations measured Two lakes (Bennett and Kluane) showed significant significant increases over time in the amount of water declines in minimum water levels over time, while flowing when the river was at its annual minimum while Teslin Lake showed significant increases in minimum no station indicated the opposite (Figure 1). Moreover, water levels. None of the sites have significant changes stations showing an increasing low flow trend over time in annual maximum water levels over time; however, Kluane Lake water levels have dramatically decreased in

26 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Water

¡ The Water Survey of Canada provides public access to hydrometric data.

¡ All stations included in the analysis are active sites that have at least 30 years of peak flow data. The oldest station on record began collecting data in 1943.

¡¡ Data from the Water Survey of Canada is typically re-analyzed and released two years after data collection; currently data is approved to 2016.

¡¡ The majority of stations have a minimal number (less than five per cent) of missing years in the record. Further information

¡¡ Water levels in Yukon lakes and rivers: Yukon.ca/ water-levels.

Figures 2: Trends in annual maximum river flow. Trend significance is represented by p-values. Period of record varies by station and includes information until 2016. recent years from the movement of headwater glaciers that has diverted water away from the Slims River. Taking action The water level drop in Lhù’ààn Mân (Kluane Lake) has unknown implications on the keystone chum salmon species, who migrate from the Bering Sea to spawn in Kluane River and Kluane Lake. Measuring water levels on 180 Mile Creek. The Kluane Watershed Salmon Climate Change Adaption Project used thermal imaging of Kluane References Lake and Kluane River to create maps of groundwater Environment and Climate Change Canada. n.d. Water discharge areas. Since Chum salmon only spawn Survey of Canada Historical Hydrometric Data. Available in groundwater discharge areas, this project will be from: wateroffice.ec.gc.ca. essential in determining how well chum salmon are Helsel D.R., D.K. Mueller, and J.R. Slack. 2006. Computer adapting to changes in their spawning environment. Program for the Kendall Family of Trend Tests: US Data quality Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2005–5275. US Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia ¡¡ The Water Survey of Canada conducts long-term USA. Available from: pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2005/5275/pdf/ measurements of large rivers and lakes. They sir2005-5275.pdf. provide summaries of annual peak high and low flows based on daily mean flows and water levels.

A report on environmental indicators 27 Water

Yukon River ice break-up at Dawson City

Significance The timing of river ice break-up is one factor influencing break-up severity and associated negative impacts. In general, an early rise in river discharge results in the mobilization of a very resistant ice cover whereas a delayed snowmelt period may generate a compressed runoff period and a sudden mobilization of the ice cover over long stretches of river. Both conditions increase the potential for severe ice jams that lead to floods. River ice conditions also affect transportation routes, both for winter roads and wildlife corridors. Early May 2014 break-up of the Yukon River at Dawson City. river ice breakup and increased ice-jamming severity Photo: Tyler Williams. can have detrimental impacts on communities and infrastructure. Over the past centuries, breakup has 31-May been occurring earlier in the spring, which represents a 26-May strong indicator of a changing climate. Even if warmer 21-May winter temperatures contribute to reduce the ice cover 16-May

thickness, ice jam intensity and frequency may increase up date - in the future along several rivers of Yukon. 11-May 6-May

What is happening? break Ice 1-May

Ice break-up on the Yukon River at Dawson City now 26-Apr occurs more than seven days earlier on average than in 21-Apr 1896, when data collection began (Figure 1). Eight of 1895 1915 1935 1955 1975 1995 2015 the ten earliest recorded break-up events at Dawson Figure 1: Date of ice break-up on the Yukon River at City have occurred in the past 30 years. Dawson City, 1896-2018.

Taking action Data quality Over the past four years, the Water Resources Branch At first a betting tradition, the exact time and date of has expanded its ice break-up monitoring program break-up has been recorded at Dawson since 1896. on the Yukon River near Dawson through real time A tripod has been set up on the ice and connected satellite imagery. In partnership with Public Safety by cable to the Danoja Zho Cultural Centre. When Canada and the Canadian Space Agency, high-quality the ice starts moving, it takes the tripod with it and maps of current river ice conditions are produced daily stops the clock, thereby recording the official breakup prior to and during the break-up period. The imagery time. Statistics and a photo documentary about Yukon differentiates between intact ice, open water, and River ice breakup at Dawson City are available at: consolidated ice (potential ice jam) locations. This allows yukonriverbreakup.com/statistics. for improved identification of ice jam hazards upstream of the community. A break-up timing forecast tool used Further information in the past is also being updated to include potential See the Dawson City Ice Bridge report produced by the break-up intensity. National Research Council of Canada (NRC): Yukon.ca/ en/national-research-council-dawson-city-ice-bridge- report-2018.

28 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land

Talus Lake backcountry campsite after a storm.

Population of Yukon Keeping track of these three population indicators can help in analyzing and predicting the impact that human activities can have on the environment. The distribution and density of Yukon’s population may have an impact on where land use activities take place; however, land use is also determined by opportunities for development. For information on Yukon’s economy, visit the Yukon Bureau of Statistics website: eco.gov. yk.ca/stats/ybs.html. Land use activities in Yukon are managed through environmental assessments, permitting and land use planning. What is happening? Overall, Yukon’s population density is very low. On the 2016 census, there were 0.1 people for every square People enjoying the Dawson City Music Festival. kilometer in Yukon. Yukon’s population is not distributed evenly across the territory. There are many more people residing in Significance southern Yukon, with approximately 78 per cent living in Human population can have an impact on the state of the Whitehorse/Marsh Lake area. the environment based on:

¡¡ how many people there are (population growth);

¡¡ where those people live (population distribution); and

¡¡ how close in proximity they live (population density).

A report on environmental indicators 29 Land

Over the past year (June 2017 to June 2018), the total 2018 Population 2016 Yukon population increased by 816 people, or 2.1 per population growth Population cent. The increase in population is mostly due to growth from 2017 density in the Whitehorse/Marsh Lake area. Population density (per cent (people is only 0.1 people per square kilometre. change) per square kilometre) Yukon’s community populations have been fairly stable since 1990. One exception is Faro, as the population Beaver 111 1.8% 3.4 was tied to the operation of the Faro mine that closed in Creek April 1993, reopened in August 1995 and then closed Burwash 107 -0.9% 2.4 permanently in January 1998. Landing For more information on Yukon community socio- Carcross 506 1.4% 18.7 economics, visit the Government of Yukon Socio- Carmacks 564 2.2% 13.3 Economic Web Portal: sewp.gov.yk.ca/home. Dawson 2,323 2.5% 42.4 Data quality City Population density is calculated during the Statistics Destruction 56 1.8% 4.1 Canada census; therefore, the most current data is Bay from 2016. For the census, Statistics Canada divides data into 37 geographic census subdivisions that are Faro 413 4.0% 1.7 different from the community divisions that the Yukon Haines 960 4.2% 17.8 Bureau of Statistics uses for population estimates. For Junction this reason, use population density information with Mayo 514 2.8% 188.7 care. Old Crow 265 3.1% 15.6 Pelly 387 -2.0% 10.9 Crossing Ross River 405 1.0% 14.2 Tagish 275 4.6% 5.5 Teslin 521 1.2% 64.6 Watson 1,497 -0.3% 129.4 Lake Whitehorse 31,527 2.1% 3.3 / Marsh Lake Figure 1: Population of Whitehorse compared to total population in Yukon. Due to a change in methodology in 2018, revised figures for the Yukon total 40,483 2.1% 0.1 period from April 2011 onward are not strictly comparable to figures prior to that period. Table 1: 2018 Population, growth and density of Yukon communities.

The population density of this area, however, is still low at 3.3 people per square kilometre because the population total incorporates Whitehorse and all surrounding areas (e.g., Ibex Valley, McPherson/Grizzly Valley, Marsh Lake and Mount Lorne). Over the past 10 years (June 2008 to June 2018), the population increased by 7,189 people, or 21.6 per cent.

30 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land 2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Dawson City Watson Lake Haines Junction Carmacks Mayo Carcross Teslin Ross River

Pelly Crossing Faro Tagish Old Crow Beaver Creek Burwash Landing Destruction Bay

Figure 2: Yukon community populations, 1990-2018. Due to a change in methodology in 2018, revised figures for the period from April 2011 onward are not strictly comparable to figures prior to that period.

Regional land use plans ¡¡ One regional plan, the North Yukon Regional Land Use Plan, was completed in 2009 and is being Significance implemented. Developing long-term land use plans through public ¡¡ The Peel Watershed planning process has been processes helps governments recognize and balance relaunched following the Supreme Court hearing competing views about how lands and natural resources on the plan. The Final Recommended Plan is should be used. anticipated to be approved in 2019. Plans support effective land and resource management and are important obligations arising from Yukon ¡¡ The Dawson planning process has been First Nation Final Agreements. Chapter 11 of the relaunched. Work is being done to finalize the Yukon First Nation Final Agreements established the Planning Commission and update pre-planning regional land use planning process and represents a documents. commitment by the governments to conduct regional land use planning in Yukon. Through land use planning, a regional commission, appointed by Yukon and First Nation governments, prepares a regional land use plan in consultation with First Nations, stakeholders and residents. The plans are approved by Yukon and First Nation governments and guide the future use and sustainable development of land in the planning region. Regional planning is intended to reflect the traditional knowledge, experience and recommendations of residents, as well as incorporate science and broad socio-economic and environmental interests. What is happening? The Yukon Land Use Planning Council has proposed seven planning regions in Yukon. See the map and table below.

Figure 1: Areas of regional land use plans.

A report on environmental indicators 31 Land

Regional land use plan Status Dawson Current The Dawson Planning Process has been relaunched. Work is being done to update the Resource Assessment Report and Plan Alternatives. The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, and Tr’ondek Hwech’in have approved an overlap agreement for a new boundary for the planning region, which excludes Vuntut Gwitchin. North Yukon Current 2009 In 2009, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the Government of Yukon approved the North Yukon Regional Land Use Plan. It provides a sustainable development framework for land management, while addressing the key issues of oil and gas development in Porcupine caribou herd habitat and development impacts in wetlands. The plan also recommends protected area status for the Whitefish Wetlands and the Summit Lake-Bell River area. It identifies important traditional use and wildlife areas that were mapped from local and traditional knowledge. Peel Watershed Current Land use planning began for the Peel watershed in 2004 and the planning commission produced a recommended land use plan in 2011. The process was on hold while awaiting the outcome of a supreme court hearing on the plan. A staking moratorium across the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Planning Region has been in place since the planning process, which expires on January 1, 2020. Following the Supreme Court decision, the planning process was relaunched. In late 2018, final consultation occurred with affected communities, public, and stakeholders on the Final Recommended Plan. An approved plan is anticipated in 2019. Teslin On Hold A previous planning process for the Teslin region was suspended in 2004 before a draft plan was produced. In September 2011, the Yukon Land Use Planning Council recommended the Teslin Region as a priority planning region. Northern Tutchone Not Started Planning in this region has not been initiated. Kluane On Hold In September 2011, the Yukon Land Use Planning Council recommended the Kluane Region as a priority planning region. Whitehorse Not Started Planning in this region has not been initiated. White River N/A Regional planning as envisioned under the Umbrella Final Agreement does not apply to White River as White River First Nation does not have a Final Agreement. North Slope N/A The Yukon North Slope is part of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. As such, the provisions set out in the Inuvialuit Final Agreement speak to how land use planning processes are to be undertaken. The Final Agreement provides for the Inuvialuit to be effectively involved in all bodies, functions, and decisions pertaining to land and wildlife management in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Kaska N/A Regional planning as envisioned under the Umbrella Final Agreement does not apply to asserted Kaska traditional territory, as Kaska does not have a Final Agreement.

32 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land

Carcross.

Community and local area Official community plans Year approved planning Dawson 2016 (Amendment to original plan) Significance New OCP under review Long-term planning helps to define a community’s Watson Lake 2016 (Amendment to vision for the future and how it can move forward in original plan) that direction. Plans provide guidelines and policies to balance competing views for land use, and make sure Whitehorse 2016 (Amendment to that future development and growth occur in an orderly original plan) manner. Mayo 2016 (Amendment to Planning provides property owners and local residents original plan) with the opportunity to influence the decisions about Faro 2014 the use of land in their community while ensuring that broader public interests are taken into consideration, Carmacks 2013 such as those identified through Yukon and First Nation Haines Junction 2013 government legislation and policies. Teslin 2010 Yukon has eight municipalities that are required by the Table 1: Status of planning for municipalities in 2018. Municipal Act to develop official community plans. These documents guide land use and development within their Local area plans boundaries. A local area plan is a similar document that is prepared for areas outside of municipalities. While Local area planning is done for unincorporated there is no legislative requirement for developing these, communities and typically includes private lands, the governments of Yukon and First Nations have been Yukon public lands, and Settlement Lands. As official working on developing local area plans to ensure the community plans, local area plans include policies and orderly development of unincorporated communities in maps that designate (or “zone”) areas for different uses, Yukon. such as Residential, Recreational or Industrial. With the exception of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation What is happening? Self-Government Agreement, local area plans are Official community plans not required by law. However, once a plan has been developed, plan provisions can be enforced through ¡¡ All eight Yukon municipalities have official legislation and policies, such as the Subdivision Act and community plans. the Area Development Act. The Subdivision Act requires any subdivision to conform to a local area plan. The Area Development

A report on environmental indicators 33 Land Development Local Area Plan Zoning Regulation Act stipulates the development of development area Area (date of approval) (date of approval or last comprehensive update) (zoning) regulations that are based on the policies of an applicable local area plan. Besides dividing areas Carcross 2014 1976 into specific classes of land use such as Downtown New regulations underway Residential, Public Use or Light Industrial, zoning West Dawson/ 2013 1990 regulations also state how a parcel can be developed, Sunnydale New regulations underway such as the number of dwellings, their height, use and Golden Horn 2004 2011 setback from property lines. Zoning regulations are Watsíx Eetí Part of Golden Horn 2011 enforced through development permits. Local Area Plan In the past, zoning regulations have been developed Hotsprings Road 2002 2005 without first developing a local area plan. Today, Deep Creek 2001 2011 governments strive to develop local area plans before Hamlet of Ibex Valley 2001 2010 developing zoning regulations in order to ensure that local residents’ and First Nations’ perspectives are Hamlet of Mount 1995 2006 Lorne integrated into the planning process and resulting plan. Klondike Valley 1988 1992

¡¡ In 2018, eight local area plans were in place. Marsh Lake Underway None

¡¡ Local area planning processes are currently M’Clintock Place Part of future Marsh 1996 Lake Local Area Plan underway for five areas: Marsh Lake, Fox Lake, Tagish, Alaska Highway West and Fish Lake Fox Lake Underway None (Table 2). Tagish Underway None Alaska Highway Underway None ¡¡ For up-to-date information about local area West plans and to access completed plans, visit the Fish Lake Underway None Department of Energy, Mines and Resources website: emr.gov.yk.ca/landplanning/local-area- Shallow Bay Underway plans.html. Silver Trail Underway Dutch Harbour Remote 2016 Recreational Lots

Remote Recreational 2014 Lots (Lake Bennett and Tagish Lake)

Mayo Road 2013

Little Teslin Lake 2010 Recreation

Jackfish Bay 2000

Grizzly Valley 1996

Mendenhall 1990

Pine Lake 1990

Bear Creek 1983

Destruction Bay 1980

Dempster Highway 1979

Fox Lake Local Area Plan, public meeting. Ross River 1978 Whitehorse Periphery 1978

Table 2: Status of local area plans and development area (zoning) regulations for unincorporated communities in 2018. Note: Bolded areas indicate where area plans have been or are being developed between the governments of Yukon and First Nations.

34 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land

References Yukon Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. 1988-2016. Local area plans [modified 2015 Dec 29; cited 2019 Jan 2]. Available from: emr.gov.yk.ca/ landplanning/local-area-plans.html.

Status of parks and protected areas

Significance Protecting parts of the land base provides a foundation for protecting biodiversity, and ecological and cultural heritage. In 1992, Canada and 167 other countries signed the Convention on Biological Diversity. Part of this agreement includes establishing networks of protected areas to conserve biodiversity. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature defines a protected area as “a clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values” (Dudley 2008). Canada has indicated its support for this definition. A protected area is land that has been withdrawn from resource and industrial development – mining, oil and gas, logging, dams and land dispositions – and where conservation is the primary objective within the area. Lewes Marsh Habitat Protection Area. Many protected areas in Yukon were first recognized as special management areas in First Nations Final Agreements. More recently, protected areas are being identified through the regional land use planning process. Yukon has several types of protected areas: national parks and reserves, national wildlife areas, territorial parks, habitat protection areas and special management areas. What is happening? Currently, Yukon has 63,275 km2 of land identified for conservation purposes – just over 13 per cent of Yukon’s total area. Of that, 61,486 km2 are protected lands, which include territorial parks, habitat protection areas, national parks, national wildlife areas, and special management areas.

A report on environmental indicators 35 Land

Beaufort Sea Parks & Protected Areas Yukon, 2018

Territorial Parks 15,841 km2 (3.3%)

Habitat Protection Areas 2,432 km2 (0.5%)

National Parks & Wildlife Areas 36,130 km2 (7.5%)

Special Management Areas 8,872 km2 (1.8%)

Other Lands 420,387 km2 (86.9%)

Gulf of Alaska

Figure 1: Parks and other conservation areas in Yukon.

36 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land

Territorial parks National parks and reserves and national wildlife areas ¡¡ All territorial parks under the classifications of natural environment parks, with the exception of ¡¡ There are three national parks and one national Agay Mene, wilderness preserves and ecological wildlife area in Yukon. reserves have interim or permanent withdrawals from mining, oil and gas and surface dispositions. ¡¡ Ivvavik National Park was established through For Agay Mene, the Carcross/Tagish First Nation the Inuvialuit Final Agreement and was the first Final Agreement indicates that land use decisions national park in Canada to be created as a result will be determined through park management of an Indigenous land claim agreement. Parks planning. Canada and the Inuvialuit cooperatively manage Ivvavik National Park. ¡¡ Management planning for Asi Keyi and Dàadzàii Vàn (Summit Lake-Bell River) territorial parks will ¡¡ Kluane National Park and Reserve was declared be ongoing through 2019. a World Heritage Site in 1979. Together with Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Habitat protection areas and special management and Preserve, Glacier Bay National Park and areas Preserve, and British Columbia’s Tatshenshini- Alsek Provincial Park, it forms part of the largest ¡¡ Habitat protection areas and special management international UNESCO World Heritage Site. areas are created to maintain important features Parks Canada, the Champagne and Aishihik First of Yukon’s natural or cultural environment for the Nations, and the Kluane First Nation manage benefit of residents and visitors, while respecting Kluane National Park and Reserve in partnership. the rights of First Nations. Canadian heritage rivers ¡¡ Habitat protection areas may be established through First Nation final agreements, regional ¡¡ Designation as a Canadian heritage river land use planning, or the submission of a proposal recognizes rivers or river segments for their to the Minister subject to criteria identified in the natural or cultural heritage and recreational values. Wildlife Act. This does not provide legal protection for the area. Management of Yukon Canadian heritage ¡¡ Yukon has twelve habitat protection areas, rivers is described in each respective approved identified or established. management plan.

Established Horseshoe Slough, Nordenskiold ¡¡ Yukon has four designated Canadian heritage (Tsâwnjik Chu), Nordenskiold rivers: (Tsâwnjik Chu), Devil’s Elbow and Big Island, Fishing Branch (Ni’iinlii • Alsek (within Kluane National Park and Njik), Van Tat K’atr’ananhtii (Old Reserve); Crow Flats), Lhutsaw Wetland, • Bonnet Plume; Ta’tla Mun, Mandanna Lake Underway Pickhandle Lakes, Tagish River, • Thirty Mile Section of the Yukon River; and Ddhaw Ghro, Ch’ihilii Chik • Tatshenshini. (Whitefish Wetlands) Anticipated Lewes Marsh Peel Watershed In December 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Parties to the Peel Watershed Regional Land ¡¡ Ch’ihilii Chik is the first habitat protection area Use Planning process return to the final consultation identified through the regional land use planning and approval stage in the process. The final public process. consultation concluded in November 2018. The Parties

A report on environmental indicators 37 Land are now working collaboratively to complete, approve References and implement a Regional Land Use Plan for the Peel Dudley N., editor. 2008. Guidelines for Applying Watershed region. The implementation phase of the Protected Area Management Categories. Best Practice plan will include the formal creation and designation of Protected Area Guidelines Series No. 21, Gland, permanently protected areas outlined in the land use Switzerland: IUCN. Available from: cmsdata.iucn.org/ plan. downloads/iucn_assignment_1.pdf.

Number, type and location of environmental and socio- economic assessments

Significance Environmental and socio-economic assessment is a process that identifies the potential environmental and socio-economic effects of proposed activities before they are carried out. The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) carries out assessments in Yukon. Bonnet Plume Canadian Heritage River. When a potential effect is identified, an assessor recommends mitigations to reduce, control or eliminate the effect. If the significant adverse effects of a project Data quality cannot be mitigated, the assessor must recommend The total area of Yukon is 483,662 km2 including all land that the project not proceed. YESAB directs its and freshwater based on the best available geospatial recommendations to decision bodies, which are federal, representation of the Yukon border and offshore islands. territorial or First Nation governments or agencies, who The management plans for each area provide the make the final decisions. specific details of land ownership and withdrawal from The number, type, complexity and location of projects resource development or equivalent status. assessed by YESAB can indicate development pressures The areas reported as protected are confirmed by the on environmental and socio-economic values, such as: following methods: • impacts on wildlife and their habitat; ¡¡ If the area is subject to an interim or permanent • impacts on air and water quality; withdrawal under the Lands Act or a prohibition • impacts on fish and fish habitat; and order under the Quartz Mining Act and Placer Mining Act, or if it is designated as a protected • permanent land conversion. area under the Parks and Land Certainty Act or What is happening? the Wildlife Act: In 2017, 209 project proposals were submitted to • the area stated as protected in the relevant YESAB for assessment, including the Kudz-Ze-Kayah legislation is reported; or Mine and Coffee Gold Mine proposals submitted for screening by the Executive Committee. • if no area is stated, the area from the administrative plan map referenced by the Four common sectors that submit project proposals for relevant legislation is reported as protected. assessment are placer mining, land development, quartz mining, and transportation (Figure 1). ¡¡ If there is no area or administrative plan In 2017, the majority of project proposals were referenced in legislation as protected, or there is received in the Mayo and Dawson City areas (Figure no legislation in place, the management plan area 3). Whitehorse, given its population density, generates or area recorded in a Final Agreement is reported. a large number of project submissions for residential

38 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land 180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20 Number Number projectof proposals

0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Placer Land development Quartz Transportation

Figure 1: Number of project proposals for the four common sectors, 2006-2017. Source: YESAB

2% 90 15% Placer 28% Land development 80 Quartz 70 77 4% Transportation 60 Water and waste 6% 50 Tourism 40 44 6% Energy 30 Agriculture 3% 31 16% Miscellaneous 20 21 21 Forestry 10 9% 13 12% 0 Dawson City Haines Mayo Teslin Watson Lake Whitehorse Junction Figure 2: YESAB percentage of projects assessed by sector, 2005-2017. Source: YESAB Figure 3: YESAB, project proposal submissions by designated office, 2017. and commercial activities, such as access roads, Source: YESAB subdivisions, road upgrades and lot enlargements. Dawson City is a well-known mining district with a Recreational land use long history of placer mining. A significant number of assessable project activities related to placer mining take Significance place within the district, although Mayo also received 25 placer proposals in 2017. Overall, placer mining projects The Government of Yukon operates and maintains made up 40 percent of the total project proposals 42 roadside government campgrounds. These submitted to YESAB in 2017. This is in contrast to an provide access to outdoor recreation opportunities average of 28 percent for the period 2005 to 2017. such as fishing, hiking, boating and wildlife viewing. Recreational land use may have a negative impact on Additional YESAB assessment statistics are available on the environment “when the level of visitor use is greater YESAB’s website at yesab.ca/about-yesab/assessment- statistics. Information regarding individual projects can be found on YESAB’s Online Registry (yesabregistry.ca).

A report on environmental indicators 39 Land than the local environment’s ability to cope with this use 90,000 within the acceptable limits of change” (United Nations 80,000 Environmental Programme (UNEP) n.d.). 70,000 For statistical purposes, the Government of Yukon tracks 60,000 the number of people using its campsites. 50,000 What is happening? 40,000

¡¡ In 2016, the Government of Yukon’s territorial 30,000 parks included: 20,000

• 42 campgrounds; and 10,000

0 • 11 day-use recreation sites. 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017*** ¡¡ There are roughly twice as many non-resident PEOPLE: Number of People Camping* People Camping - Non-resident campers as resident (Yukon) campers camping in PEOPLE: Number of People Camping* People Camping - Resident the territorial campgrounds (Figure 1). * Person Nights divided by average number of nights.These numbers do not represent unique individuals. ¡¡ Since 2012, there has been an increasing use of campgrounds by both resident and non-residents. Figure 1: Number of people camping, 2008-2017.

¡¡ In 2017, there were approximately 83,000 visitors References to Yukon territorial campgrounds. United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). n.d. Tourism’s Three Main Impact Areas [cited 2019 Jan 2]. Taking action Available from: gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/envi/one.html. The Government of Yukon has worked to increase the number of campsites available to visitors and Waste handled at the Whitehorse residents. Between 2015 and 2016, 82 new campsites were added across the territory, including additional Waste Management Facility campsites at the Marsh Lake, Wolf Creek, Twin Lakes and Tombstone Mountain campgrounds, along with Significance the new Conrad Campground on Tagish Lake. This Solid waste disposal in landfills can pose environmental has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in the number of and health risks as well as land use planning challenges. campsites within 200 km of Whitehorse (and four per Waste is costly to manage, whether it is sent to landfills, cent across the territory). diverted through recycling and composting, or shipped outside the territory for treatment. Data quality Landfill closure liability is a standard Public Sector ¡¡ The Department of Environment’s Parks Branch Accounting Board principle that requires owners of track the level of use through campground landfills to account for the full costs of the closure and registrations. post-closure of a landfill. In Yukon, this has put financial pressure on municipalities to incorporate the liability, but ¡ ¡ Registered visitors are calculated by number has also provided an incentive for waste diversion as a of recorded visitors + (number of unrecorded means of lengthening the life of a landfill. registered parties × average number of visitors per party). This number includes repeat users.

¡¡ There are other campsites operated throughout the territory including Kathleen Lake Campground in Kluane National Park and Reserve and several private RV campgrounds. Data from these sites are not included.

40 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land

12000 What is happening?

The City of Whitehorse monitors the amount of waste 10000 handled by the waste management facility. This includes waste that enters the landfill and waste that is diverted 8000 away from the landfill through composting or recycling

(Figure 1). 6000 Waste that enters the landfill come from three major sources: 4000

¡¡ domestic or household waste and the industrial, 2000 commercial, and institutional (ICI) sector;

0 ¡¡ construction and demolition; and 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Residential Organics (green cart) Commercial Organics Clean Wood Recycling (incl. processor volumes)

Tires removed Metals removed Household Hazardous Waste Electronic waste ¡¡ waste from outside city limits. Since 2006, the Figure 1: Type and amount of diverted at the City of Whitehorse Waste City of Whitehorse has accepted waste from Management Facility, in tonnes.

outlying communities on a fee-for-service basis 25000 in order to lessen the landfill burden on those communities.

20000

710 kg – the total average, annual amount of waste per

person landfilled in Whitehorse in 2017. The increase from 15000 2016 (610 kg per person) is primarily the result of increases in construction and demolition waste (e.g., FH Collins demolition, etc.). 10000 27 per cent – the percentage of waste diverted from the Whitehorse landfill through recycling and composting efforts. 5000 The most recent information for Canada-wide waste per person is from 2012, when the amount of waste landfilled was 0.72 tonnes (Statistics Canada, 2015b). Comparatively, 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Whitehorse waste per person in 2012 was 0.77 tonnes and is Waste from outside city limits Residential Garbage (black cart) Construction & Demolition Institutional, Commercial, Industrial now 0.71 tonnes. Figure 2: Type and amount of waste landfilled at the City of Whitehorse Increases in the diversion rate can be attributed to the City’s Waste Management Facility, in tonnes. 2013 Solid Waste Action Plan, which focused on the diversion Taking action of cardboard and organics from the commercial sector in 2014/15. ¡¡ In 2018, the City of Whitehorse changed its Decrease in the overall diversion rate in 2017 can be attributed Waste Management Bylaw to ensure that the food to increase waste landfilled (in particular construction waste). service sector, followed by the Multi-Family sector, must participate in an organics collection service. Roll out will begin in 2019.

¡¡ Other initiatives include offering one-on-one assistance to businesses to identify waste diversion options and the creation of a waste- sorting app called “What Goes Where?”

¡¡ Organics from food service providers, cardboard and clean wood have become controlled

A report on environmental indicators 41 Land

waste under the City of Whitehorse’s Waste Statistics Canada. 2015b. Table 153-0041 - Disposal Management Bylaw, which means that they are of waste, by source, Canada, provinces and territories, no longer welcome in the landfill and must be every 2 years (tonnes), CANSIM [modified 2019 Jan 4; sorted. cited 2019 Jan 4]. Available from: www150.statcan. gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3810003201. ¡¡ The composting facility at the City of Whitehorse Waste Management Facility was upgraded between 2012 and 2015 with the help of the Forest health Build Canada Fund and Gas Tax. Future expansion of the site will include hard surfacing the compost Significance pad to increase operational efficiency. The City of Native forest insects and diseases are generally of little Whitehorse has now qualified its compost as an concern when they exist at non-damaging population OMRI (Organics Management Review Institute) levels. It is when populations of these native species listed product. This means the quality of the increase beyond an acceptable threshold, or when alien compost is very high and can be used in organic or native species behave invasively that concerns arise. gardens. If ecological or economic damage results in measurable impacts – such as a decline in ecosystem health or large Data quality reduction in the available wood fibre – then the insect ¡¡ The Whitehorse population estimates are based or disease outbreak is seen as being a disturbance and on total Whitehorse area (excluding Marsh Lake active management intervention may be considered but including people residing outside city limits) (Natural Resources Canada n.d.). and were obtained from the Yukon Bureau of In 2009, the Government of Yukon’s Forest Management Statistics. Branch implemented a risk-based approach to forest health monitoring that is consistent with the Canadian ¡¡ The 2012 population for calculating the Canada- Council of Forest Ministers National Forest Pest wide waste per person is an average of the four Strategy. The objectives of the approach are to: quarter estimates from Statistics Canada (2015a). The quarterly estimates are based on the 2011 ¡¡ provide a Yukon-wide overview of forest health census. issues;

References ¡¡ focus monitoring activities on high-risk forest Statistics Canada. 2015a. Table 051-0005 - Estimates health agents in high value forest regions; and of population, Canada, provinces and territories, ¡¡ contribute to the National Forest Pest Strategy quarterly (persons). CANSIM [modified 2019 Jan 4; cited goals, one of which is developing early detection 2019 Jan 4]. Available from: www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/ and reporting capacity of forest health pests. tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1710000901. Additionally, the Forest Management Branch produces an annual forest health report, which presents the biotic and abiotic disturbances detected by the annual forest health survey. The survey is performed in a different area (Forest Health Zone) each year. For a full assessment of Yukon forest health issues, see the Yukon Forest Health Reports, available at: emr.gov. yk.ca/forestry/forest_health_reports.html.

Whitehorse landfill.

42 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land

B E A U F O RT SEA ( A R C T I C OCEAN) Forest Health Aerial Survey Yukon, Canada M A C K E NZIE B A Y November 30, 2018 Nunavut rimar ia

econdar ia

ap rid map Old Crow orest onitorin ones

Zone 5 one rveed one rveed cedled A L A S K A or (U.S.A.) Eagle Plains one lon G r e at B e ar Lk. one lon

one lon

are Aspen ortri onitorin Aerial rve noin ontain ine order one Aerial rve Zone 3

Dawson City Keno City

Mayo Stewart Northwest Crossing Territories Pelly Beaver Crossing Creek Zone 2 Minto Faro Carmacks

Ross River

Burwash Destruction Bay Landing Zone 4 Zone 1 Haines Junction Whitehorse

Labiche Carcross Teslin Watson Lake

MPB Survey Area P A C I FIC O C E AN British Columbia ort American atm on Alers

m

Map 1. Forest Health Zones. Shows areas flown from 2009-2018 and planned surveys for 2019.

A report on environmental indicators 43 Land

What is happening? ¡¡ Trees that have been attacked by spruce beetles are identified as faders (live trees with yellowing As a part of the risk-based forest health monitoring needles and developing broods), reds (dead trees program, the Forest Management Branch conducted the before the needles drop and no brood), and greys following activities in 2018: (long dead trees with all needles dropped and no ¡¡ aerial overview surveys; brood).

¡¡ monitoring of the Yukon/ British Columbia border ¡¡ The Forest Management Branch will continue zone for mountain pine beetle, mountain pine to monitor this area as part of their proactive beetle pheromone bait deployment; and approach to forest health management. Western balsam bark beetle ¡¡ spruce beetle pheromone trapping. Aerial overview surveys were conducted over Forest ¡¡ A new bark beetle to Yukon sub-alpine fir forests Health Zones 1 and 5 (refer to Map 1). Portions of Forest with northern spread and expansion occurring Health Zone 1 have been specifically targeted annually over the last 20 years. since 2012 to map the large aspen tortrix outbreak. In ¡¡ Areas infested in 2018 decreased to 1,816 2018, the branch also responded to a variety of public hectares from 2,760 hectares in 2014, with the reports, including an aerial assessment of discolored most notable decrease in stands near the Nisutlin conifer stands near Little Salmon Lake in Forest Health River and Wolf Lake. Zone 2. ¡¡ Endemic populations can cause single tree Forest health disturbances mortality; however, outbreak populations can The branch maps both biotic and abiotic disturbances. cause extensive group tree or stand-level Biotic refers to living, such as native and invasive mortality over successive years of attack. insects and diseases, whereas abiotic are non-living disturbances caused by weather or wildfires. Declines ¡¡ Infested trees retain red foliage for up to five and pest complexes are generally a combination of both years, making it difficult to determine trends. biotic and abiotic factors. Unless otherwise stated the following summarizes disturbances mapped in Forest Health Zone 1. Aerial surveys conducted in the Old Crow area, Forest Health Zone 5, found no disturbances in 2018.

Biotic disturbances Spruce beetle

¡¡ In 2018, spruce beetle was recorded over 1,196 hectares, the majority of which was found near the south end of Kusawa Lake. It is estimated that the infestation has been ongoing for 3 to 4 years.

¡¡ The origin of the infestation is uncertain, but suspected to be associated with the last outbreak as spruce beetle was mapped in the vicinity in 2012, the last year the area was flown.

¡¡ Beetles at the end of the last outbreak likely found an endemic niche with populations persisting in stressed trees and expanding into homogeneous Scattered fader, red and grey attack at the very spruce forests at the south end of Kusawa Lake, south end of Kusawa Lake. and to the east Takhini River and Primrose Lake.

44 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land

Aspen serpentine leafminer ¡¡ Elsewhere in Forest Health Zone 1, defoliation was also noted in areas with no history of ¡¡ This leafminer has been present in trembling defoliation; south of Whitehorse to the British aspen stands every year for the last two decades Columbia border and east to Morley Lake and with variation in annual levels, severity and extent. north to Fox Lake. Historical Canadian Forest ¡¡ In 2018, area infested increased to 3,257 Service Forest Insect and Disease Survey records hectares up from 400 hectares in 2014, but down for this area, however, indicate large numbers of significantly from 111,720 hectares recorded in larvae (722) near Johnsons Crossing in 1993 and 2009. Fox Lake in 1989 (200). ¡ ¡¡ This increase in area from 2014 may be partially ¡ Stand-level decline symptoms, associated with attributable to the collapse of the large aspen defoliation events, decreased in Forest Health tortrix outbreak in the Haines Junction/Whitehorse Zone 1 as trembling aspen stands recovered corridor and corresponding availability of host following successive years of defoliation. material.

¡¡ The majority of the defoliation occurred in trembling aspen stands in the Teslin River drainage, including Teslin Lake. It was also recorded on the east side of Lake Laberge, and along Nisutlin.

Light to moderate large aspen tortrix defoliation near Four Mile Lake southwest of Teslin close to British Columbia border. Note aspen serpentine leafminer also present.

Willow leafblotch miner

¡¡ This common leaf miner was first recorded in Yukon in 2007 adjacent to the Stewart River at Light to moderate aspen serpentine leafminer near the Nisutlin River, Stewart Crossing. In 2018, this defoliator caused northeast of Teslin. severe defoliation to 246 hectares of willow along the Dezadeash River, near Champagne. Large aspen tortrix Foliar diseases

¡¡ The outbreak in the Whitehorse/Haines Junction ¡¡ Foliar diseases, including rusts, occur on virtually corridor that began in 2012 was thought to every tree and shrub species in Yukon, with higher be collapsing in 2017; however, populations incidence generally associated with increases in increased to 1,060 hectares from 452. Defoliation precipitation. occurred in stands not previously defoliated, representing an expansion of the infestation rather ¡¡ Many foliar diseases require alternate hosts to than intensification in previously infested stands. complete their life cycles.

A report on environmental indicators 45 Land

¡¡ Pine needle cast, Lophodermella concolor, led to discolouration/defoliation of 780 hectares of immature lodgepole pine along the Takhini and Ibex rivers, near Snafu and Teenah Lakes, and near Spirit Lake north of Carcross.

¡¡ Spruce needle rust, Chrysomyxa ledicola, caused discolouration to this year’s growth over 45 hectares in three locations; near Haines Junction, Champagne, and near Boswell River east of Whitehorse.

¡¡ In Forest Health Zone 2, there were public reports of red trees in the Little Salmon Lake area. Aerial surveys over the area mapped 17 hectares of pine needle cast and 90 hectares of spruce needle rust. Both of these foliar diseases were more widespread than that captured for Forest Health Zone 2 based on aerial observations made while Dead and dying mature lodgepole pine stands adjacent to Flat Creek, northwest of Whitehorse. ferrying from Whitehorse to Old Crow. ¡¡ In 2018, flooding asw widespread, recorded in over 50 locations totaling 346 hectares. The majority occurred in spruce stands but lodgepole pine was also affected in a few areas. Windthrow

¡¡ Shallow-rooted tree species, such as spruce, are more prone to wind throw.

¡¡ In 2018, 38 hectares of spruce windthrow was mapped in three separate locations; Natyon Creek east of Haines Junction, near the Takhini River southwest of Champagne, and near Munntiger Lake north of Champagne.

Moderate discolouration of young lodgepole pine by pine needle cast, Pest Complexes just west of Whitehorse. Aspen decline

¡¡ Aspen decline or dieback refers to mortality Abiotic disturbances or damage to forests due to unknown causes, Flooding including a possible combination of biotic and abiotic factors. ¡¡ Flooding affects trees by reducing the supply of oxygen to the soils and roots, sediment ¡¡ Spatial analysis and ground checks have found a accumulation which can lead to poor soil aeriation, relationship between aspen decline symptoms and exposure to toxic compounds that accumulate frequency and severity of defoliator outbreaks. in waterlogged soils, and in some cases physical ¡¡ In Forest Health Zone 1 the area with symptoms damage to the roots or sudden exposure to the of aspen decline decreased to 2,102 hectares, elements (Anon 2008). down from 4,618 hectares. This decrease in affected area marks the recovery of stands previously infested with large aspen tortrix.

46 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land

Symptoms of aspen decline: thin crowns, top dieback, stem mortality, Stand-level signature of porcupine/bark beetle pest complex. and stem breakage. Flooding complex Porcupines and bark beetles ¡¡ Tree mortality caused solely from flooding is ¡¡ Porcupines feed on the nutrient-rich inner bark dependent upon the tree species affected, and of all species of coniferous and deciduous trees, the longevity and severity of the flooding event. but they prefer pine. Some of the trees are girdled If trees survive they may be predisposed to by the feeding and subsequently die, or are secondary biotic factors, such as bark beetles predisposed such that secondary bark beetles, and wood borers, which could in turn lead to tree such as lodgepole pine beetle (Dendroctonus mortality. These include spruce beetle, engraver murrayanae) or pine engraver beetle (Ips pini) beetles (Ips pini and Ips pertubatus) and wood attack and further weaken or kill the trees borers (Monochamus spp.).

¡¡ Porcupine/bark beetle damage on lodgepole pine ¡¡ Ground checks at a 55 hectare flooded area near was mapped over 1,466 hectares in Forest Health Little Atlin Lake revealed a number of pests, Zone 1, up from 815 hectares in 2014. While the including spruce beetle, northern spruce engraver majority were spots of 1-10 trees, there were beetle, wood borers, and ambrosia beetle. many polygons mapped as having trace, light, or moderate infestations. These accounted for most ¡¡ As the majority of trees were likely dying prior to of the affected area. attack, it is felt that this site will act more as a sink than a source for bark beetles. ¡¡ The most concentrated and largest area was between Whitehorse and Lake Laberge where ¡¡ Given the amount of host material in the area, the 591 hectares of trace damage was recorded, Forest Management Branch will conduct aerial including an area 356 hectares in size. surveys in this area next year in conjunction with proactive aerial survey efforts in the Kusawa Lake ¡¡ Damage was observed throughout most of Forest area. Health Zone 1, with the exception of southwest Yukon, west of Champagne, and north of Lake Laberge.

¡¡ The geographic extent of the damage was also larger than that mapped in 2014.

A report on environmental indicators 47 Land

Taking action In addition to the annual aerial survey monitoring of the Forest Health Zones: Proactive management of mountain pine beetle This marks the ninth eighth consecutive year that the Forest Management Branch has conducted aerial surveys in northern British Columbia. In 2010, when aerial surveys began, mountain pine beetles populations and subsequent pine mortality within the Rocky Mountain Trench of British Columbia were very high (within 150 kilometers of Yukon border). Since that time, severe winter cold has killed beetle broods within the trees. That, combined with no large feeder population in northern British Columbia, Dead and dying white spruce in stand flooded in spring/early summer of has slowed significant northward movement of the 2018, near Little Atlin Lake populations. The Forest Management Branch continues to monitor the border zone as per the mountain pine beetle monitoring strategy (See Map 1). Disturbance Type 2009 2014 2018 Since 2009, the branch has set up and monitored 15 Biotic pheromone bait tree stations in southern Yukon to Aspen serpentine leaf 111,720 400 3,257 detect the presence of mountain pine beetle (Map 2). miner These pheromone baits do not attract the beetles over long distances, but will draw them to the baits if they Large aspen tortrix - 6, 120 2,292 are already in the area. They also do not attract other Large aspen tortrix/ - - 140 species of bark beetles. No presence of mountain pine aspen decline beetle was found in 2018. Spruce beetle 3,130 2 1,196 Western balsam bark 1,465 2,760 1,816 beetle Willow Leaf miner 65 - 246 Pine needle cast - - 780 Spruce needle rust - - 45 Abiotic Flooding and high 640 608 346 water Windthrow 40 10 38 Pest Complexes Aspen Decline - - 2,102 Porcupine/lodgepole 180 815 1,466 pine beetle/Ips Flooding Complex - - 55 Main body of mountain pine beetle infestation 150 km south of Yukon Table 1: Summary of forest health disturbances recorded in Forest border. This was observed at its peak of infestation in Rocky Mountain Health Zone 1 in 2009, 2014 and 2018 (in hectares). Trench British Columbia in 2011.

48 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land

C

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n 0 50

o

l

R

o

a Kilometres d

R Whitehorse o b

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r t

C

a

m

p b e l l H i g h w a ay y hw Teslin ig H Watson Lake Carcross ska Ala

YUKON A

t BRITISH COLUMBIA l

i

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Map 2. Location of pheromone baiting sites in southern Yukon.

Pheromone trapping in the historical outbreak area In 2018, a spruce beetle monitoring program was established in the Haines Junction area. The objective of the program is threefold:

¡¡ to track the presence or absence of spruce beetle in the Haines Junction timber harvest planning areas;

¡¡ to better understand the timing of the spruce beetle flight period in the Haines Junction area; and

¡¡ to determine if spruce beetle populations are higher ins some areas than others. Trap (Lindgren funnel traps) catches in 2018 were very low with only 147 spruce beetles and 43 northern Lindgren funnel trap at Pine Canyon, 2018. spruce engraver beetles caught in 80 traps spanning 10 locations (8 traps/location). The Forest Management Branch has conducted forest health aerial surveys at a landscape level since 2009 to Data Quality identify both biotic and abiotic disturbances. From 1950 to 1995, the Canadian Forest Services Aerial overview surveys and ground field checks are a conducted the Forest Insect and Disease Survey. relatively simple and low-cost method for effectively From 1995, both the Canadian Forest Service and the monitoring forest health over large areas (Ciesla Forest Management Branch conducted aerial surveys 2000). Aerial overview surveys are also adequate for monitoring spruce bark beetle near Haines Junction. In regional and provincial summaries and to meet national 2009, with National Forest Pest Strategy funding, the requirements for the Forest Health Network (BC Ministry branch adopted the aerial overview survey program and of Forests and Canadian Forest Service 2000). have been conducting annual aerial surveys since then.

A report on environmental indicators 49 Land

As a result, aerial overview surveys are the primary Wetlands tool for monitoring forest health in Yukon. The forest health aerial overview survey standards used by the Significance British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations are also used in Yukon, which Wetlands can be essential for maintaining water flows, ensures continuity across shared boundaries. Field flood protection, purifying water, recharging/discharging checks are important for validating the data collected groundwater, and providing habitat for fish and wildlife. from the aerial surveys. Researchers check a portion of Some wetlands support traditional subsistence and surveyed areas to confirm the identity and severity of cultural activities and provide for recreation. Wetlands the pest or disease disturbance. also provide a number of additional valuable functions including: As of 2013, all five Forest Health Zones in Yukon were monitored by aerial overview survey. Baseline data has ¡¡ slowing the flow of water, thereby reducing been collected from each Forest Health Zone. Hence, erosion; from 2014 on mapping resolution moved from eight kilometre gridlines to 12 kilometre gridlines. During the ¡¡ providing habitat for plants that help stabilize monitoring of the Forest Health Zones, researchers may stream banks and shorelines; select disturbances for further monitoring in the same ¡¡ creating and fertilizing floodplains; year. If necessary, these disturbances are identified as ongoing monitoring areas to be included along with the ¡¡ supporting the food chain; Forest Health Zones scheduled for aerial surveys during the current year. ¡¡ enhancing aesthetics; and The Forest Management Branch’s Forest Health ¡¡ serving as a rich arena for education. Program contains ground survey protocols to predict The Government of Yukon uses the Canadian Wetlands insect population trends, as well as to evaluate the Classification System (1997) that includes five classes potential risk from various insect pests. of wetlands: bogs, fens, swamps, marshes and shallow Further information open water. These classes are determined by soil, vegetation, water and other ecological characteristics. Forest Management Branch Website: forestry.gov.yk.ca. The classification system provides a practical and Forest Health brochures featuring main pests and consistent framework for the characterization and pathogens of Yukon: emr.gov.yk.ca/forestry/insects_ description of wetlands throughout Yukon and Canada disease.html. that can be used by specialists and non-specialists alike. Wetland classification can be used by proponents to References communicate with assessors and by land managers to Anon. 2008. Understanding the effects of flooding identify habitat that may warrant special consideration on trees. Sustainable Urban Landscapes, Iowa State in planning. University, University Extension, Ames, Iowa, USA. The Canadian Wetland Classification System is BC Ministry of Forests and Canadian Forest Service. a scientific classification and does not address 2000. Forest Health Aerial Overview Survey Standards environmental, social or economic importance of a for British Columbia. Prepared for the Resources wetland. It is used for naming and describing various Inventory Committee. kinds of wetlands for use during environmental Ciesla W.M. 2000. Remote sensing in forest health assessments, regulatory applications, conservation area protection. USDA Forest Service, Forest Health planning and planning of infrastructure projects. Technology Enterprise Team, FHTET Report No. 00-03. The largest concentrations of wetlands in Yukon are Natural Resources Canada. n.d. National Forest Pest located in areas underlain by continuous permafrost Strategy [modified 15 Jun 2015; cited 2019 Jan from central to northern Yukon. Smaller wetlands 8]. Available from: nrcan.gc.ca/forests/fire-insects- and wetland complexes are scattered throughout the disturbances/pest-management/13409. territory. Wetland mapping has not been carried out in Yukon and the full extent of wetlands is not known,

50 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land in particular the extent of peatlands. Wetlands are environmental assessment, inventory, management important for a disproportionally high number of species planning for specific wetlands, and monitoring of compared to many other habitats, which is reflected environmental change. in the number of protected areas in Yukon that include The Government of Yukon, led by the Department of wetlands. Environment and an interdepartmental working group, What is happening? is developing a wetland policy. A consistent approach to, and understanding of, wetlands will enable governments The Government of Yukon has committed to developing to better manage wetlands and consider their functions a wetlands policy for Yukon. We have invited other and values in planning and decision-making. governments and external organizations with an interest in wetlands to be partners in developing the policy. Roundtable meetings occurred throughout 2018 and will continue in 2019. Find more about the process on engageyukon.ca. The Land Planning Branch of Energy, Mines and Resources is responsible for undertaking local area planning in unincorporated communities and supporting the development of regional and sub-regional land use plans. Land use plans are intended to reduce land use conflicts and promote the orderly development of land for the economic, social and environmental well-being of Yukoners. This includes consideration and protection of ecological values, including those of wetlands. As needed, wetland inventory is conducted to support various governments and non-government projects and planning processes.

¡¡ There are a number of important wetlands identified as “significant” in the Government of Yukon’s key wildlife area database held within the online Lands Viewer map tool available from: mapservices.gov.yk.ca/arcgis/rest/services/ GeoYukon/GY_Biological/MapServer.

¡¡ Many of our existing and proposed protected areas include important wetland habitat. Aishihik Lake ¡¡ There are bird monitoring programs in place in a number of wetland complexes recognised for Mining and Wetlands their value to migratory birds which can provide The Government of Yukon, led by the Department of an indication of wetland ecological health (i.e., Energy, Mines and Resources, has undertaken several waterfowl monitoring). activities related to placer mining and wetlands in the Taking action Indian River watershed including working with Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and the Klondike Placer Miners’ Association The Government of Yukon’s Wetland Policy to develop guidelines and policy for the protection One of the recommendations in the Yukon Water and reclamation of wetlands in the Indian River valley. Strategy and Action Plan (2014) is to develop a wetland The guidance is intended to provide assistance to policy for Yukon. A number of wetland initiatives placer miners who are required to develop a wetland carried out by the Government of Yukon over the last 15 years include: wetland classification, best practices,

A report on environmental indicators 51 Land reclamation plan in accordance with an approval and/ are believed to be absent, and the presence of 41 or licence, as well as assist assessors and regulators additional species is unknown (Figure 1). to provide consistent advice and direction during assessment and licensing of placer mining operations in ¡¡ Thirty-three of these plant species have a high wetland areas. to medium invasiveness rating in Yukon (Yukon Conservation Data Centre n.d.) Additionally, research projects are underway to gather information and data to develop a better understanding ¡¡ Several vascular plant species once thought to be of the wetland complex in the Indian River watershed. introduced are now considered to be expanding Most recently, a two-year wetland mapping and their range and are therefore considered native. inventory study, involving field and desktop mapping Changing species range is natural and the rate exercises, was completed. The Government of Yukon of expansion appears to be increasing. This is exploring ways to make the data available for phenomenon has been more clearly documented assessments, licensing and evaluation of proposed with vertebrate animals sure as mule deer, cougar, wetland reclamation plans. Other studies completed and moose which have expanded their range include a wetlands research study led by the Klondike northwards. Placer Miners’ Association and Ducks Unlimited Canada. This focused on developing a better understanding of ¡¡ Several species are newly reported and have been waterfowl use of reclaimed wetlands. added to the list of exotic species. These include Norwegian Angelica (Angelica archangelica), Common Dog Mustard (Erucastrum gallicum), Presence of alien and introduced White Campion (Silene latifolia), Loesel’s Tumble species Mustard (Sisymbrium loeselii), Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), and Tatarian Honeysuckle Significance (Lonicera tatarica). Plants, animals and microorganisms introduced outside ¡¡ Since the late 1800s, botanists have searched their normal range by humans are considered introduced communities collecting and identifying plants. alien species. Not all alien species are harmful to an With few exceptions, introduced plant species are ecosystem, and some are introduced on purpose (e.g., associated with human disturbance. By looking for conservation, in gardens, to increase hunting or at the results of surveys in the communities fishing opportunities). (particularly Dawson City and Whitehorse), Invasive species are alien species whose introduction along major highways (particularly the Alaska has an environmental, economic or social cost. (CBD and Klondike highways), and along major rivers Secretariat n.d.). The impacts of invasive species (such as the Yukon and Teslin rivers), a trend in include loss of biodiversity, reduced property value or the number of introduced species naturalized is reduced quality and abundance of resources to humans, shown (Figure 1). including loss of plants traditionally used by First Nations. 100

90 Increases in resource exploration and development and 80 increases in backcountry pursuits will likely increase 70 the range and number of invasive species. A changing 60 climate is also a factor in the increase and spread of 50 alien and invasive species (Streicker 2016). 40

30

What is happening? 20

10 Plants 0 ¡¡ As of September 2018, an estimated 170 alien plant species have been identified in Yukon. Of Figure 1: Introduced plant species persisting in Yukon. these, 96 are currently believed to be present, 33

52 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Land

Elk. Photo: J. Bergold.

Birds

¡¡ There are four introduced bird species out of the 243 bird species that regularly occur in Yukon: Rock Pigeon, House Sparrow, Eurasian Collared Dove, and European Starling.

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) was discovered for the first time ¡¡ These species were introduced accidentally or in Yukon in the Dawson area. Photo: B.A. Bennett. have spread from southern populations.

¡¡ These four species occur in low numbers and are not expected to have a large impact on native species (Yukon Invasive Species Council n.d.).

¡¡ Rock Pigeons, once common in Whitehorse are now believed to be extirpated with only a single individual seen recently.

Seven spotted lady beetle. Photo: Kelcy Tousignant.

Mammals

¡¡ There are 72 regularly occurring mammal species in Yukon; of these, three are introduced beyond their native range.

¡¡ No mammals are considered invasive in Yukon.

¡¡ The house mouse is an alien species from Europe House Sparrow. Photo: Cameron Eckert. that was introduced accidentally or has spread from southern populations. Freshwater fishes

¡¡ Feral horses are known to be present in Yukon at ¡¡ Most Yukon lakes and waterways appear to be the time of this report. free of invasive or introduced species.

¡¡ Elk, though native to southeast Yukon, were ¡¡ Out of the 38 regularly occurring species of introduced to south-central Yukon in the late freshwater fish, two are introduced: 1940s, to reduce hunting pressure on moose and caribou. A report on environmental indicators 53 Land

• Goldfish is an alien species that occurs in ¡¡ The seven-spotted lady beetle is commonly used Yukon and was either introduced accidentally to control aphids in greenhouses and has been or spread from southern populations. found in remote places such as Keno Hill. It is now believed to be persisting in the wild. • Threespine stickleback is native in BC and Alaska but was accidentally introduced into Taking action two pothole lakes with fish stocking programs The Yukon Invasive Species Council works to address in the 1970s. the threats posed by invasive species through ¡¡ Several fish species, though native in some rivers prevention, early detection and rapid response, control or lakes in Yukon, were intentionally released and management, research, and education. Council in other areas to enhance fishing opportunities members come from different governments, industry (Table 1). and the public. The Fisheries Unit at the Department of Environment Species: Native to: Introduced in: asks Yukoners to report aquatic invasive species. Arctic char Two lakes in Southern Yukon They actively promote information at boat launches Ivvavik, northern throughout the Yukon. Yukon Data quality Bull trout / Dolly Yukon and Liard Pothole Lakes • Through the Spotter’s Network, there is a formal Varden drainages protocol for invasive alien species data collection Kokanee Alsek drainage Scout Lake within Yukon.

Rainbow trout Alsek drainage Yukon River • The Yukon Conservation Data Centre makes Table 1: Native Yukon fish species introduced to other places in Yukon. data publicly available to anyone wishing to access information on species or ecosystems of conservation concern. This includes lists of species, range maps and identification guides.

• The Government of Yukon provides additional information about Yukon’s aquatic invasive species at Yukon.ca/aquatic-invasive-species and invasive plants at env.gov.yk.ca/animals-habitat/ invasiveplants. Threespine Stickleback. Photo: NOAA Fisheries, Auke Bay Laboratories. References Invertebrates Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat. n.d. Invasive species [cited 2019 Jan 4]. Available from ¡¡ Less is known about alien invertebrates in Yukon. cbd.int/invasive. ¡¡ The Conservation Data Centre currently has Streicker J. 2016. Yukon Climate Change Indicators and about 3,500 invertebrate species recorded in Key Findings 2015. Northern Climate ExChange, Yukon their database; 36 are known to be introduced Research Centre, Yukon College, Whitehorse, Yukon, and believed to be present. It is likely that more Canada. Available from: yukoncollege.yk.ca/sites/default/ introduced species are present but not detected. files/inline-files/Indicator_Report_Final_web.pdf. Yukon Conservation Data Centre. n.d. Rare species ¡¡ There are several alien earthworms that are database [cited 2019 Jan 4]. Available from: Yukon.ca/ believed to live year round in Yukon (i.e., the species-data. night crawler or dew worm). The red wiggler is commonly used for composting, but is not known Yukon Invasive Species Council. n.d. Yukon to overwinter in Yukon outside cultivation. Invasive Species [cited 2019 Jan 4]. Available from: yukoninvasives.com/index.php.

54 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

Wolves play an important role in Yukon’s ecosystems.

Species management plans

Significance Species management plans address conservation and population management concerns for fish or wildlife populations. They are used to help to develop or revise approaches to managing a population and regulating human interaction with these species. Management plans are developed in response to local or territorial population management needs or as required through the federal species at risk legislation. Tracking the implementation of management plans helps to demonstrate commitment to continued action on managing species.

Cow moose with two calves. Aishihik wood bison.

A report on environmental indicators 55 Fish and wildlife

What is happening? The Government of Yukon has the following species management plans in place or in progress:

Plan Approved Status Summary Management Plan 2016 Current This plan provides an adaptive framework to guide the management of for Elk in Yukon the Takhini and Braeburn elk herds. Management 2013 Current This plan provides a broad framework guiding the management of Plan for Yukon amphibians in Yukon. The Western Toad is listed as a Species of Special Amphibians Concern under the federal Species at Risk Act. Management Plan 2012 Current This plan provides a broad framework guiding the management of the for the Aishihik herd in a manner consistent with recovery of a species at risk, while Wood Bison Herd addressing local concerns and interests. in Southwestern Yukon Yukon Wolf 2012 Current This plan guides wolf conservation and management throughout Yukon, Conservation and ensuring that the roles of wolves and their prey species are respected. Management Plan A Conservation No Underway The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Plan for Grizzly Board worked in partnership to develop this plan to address local Bears in Yukon management issues and to meet federal and international obligations. It is anticipated that the plan will be approved in 2019. The grizzly bear is listed under the federal SARA as a Species of Special Concern. Management Plan 2011 Current This plan guides the management and conservation of the Chisana for the Chisana caribou herd, a small international herd shared with Alaska. The herd Caribou Herd experienced population declines and a successful recovery effort in the past. The management plan provides guidance to maintain a healthy herd.

The federal government has the following recovery The Management Plan for Yukon Amphibians, strategies and management plans in place or in Management Plan for the Aishihik Wood Bison Herd progress: in Southwestern Yukon, and A Conservation Plan for Grizzly Bears in Yukon were developed in part to Recovery Strategy (in place) Management Plan (in address the national requirements under the federal Baikal sedge place) Species at Risk Act. Eskimo curlew Short eared owl Northern Mountain caribou Rusty blackbird Taking action Wood bison Peregrine falcon View the species management plans: Yukon.ca/wildlife- Little brown myotis and habitat-planning. northern myotis Recovery Strategy (in Management Plan (in progress) progress) Common nighthawk Polar bear Olive sided flycatcher Red knot – roselaari type

56 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

Community-based fish and wildlife work plans

Significance Strategic work planning helps to identify long-term and cooperative management solutions to help support healthy fish and wildlife populations. Community-based fish and wildlife work plans are one way that the Government of Yukon, First Nations governments, and Renewable Resources Councils work together to decide the priority of fish and wildlife management issues for an area and propose cooperative approaches for addressing these issues. Tracking the Female grizzly. Photo: Angela Milani. implementation of these work plans is one measure of effective fish and wildlife management. A Conservation Plan for Grizzly Bear in Yukon What is happening? It is important to have a plan to conserve grizzly ¡¡ There are four community-based fish and wildlife bears because they can be very slow to recover from work plans currently in place. population declines – grizzly bears are sensitive to human disturbance, and changes to their habitat. Across ¡¡ Science, traditional and local knowledge Canada, the health of grizzly populations varies, with is considered in the development and some considered stable (as is the case in most of Yukon) and others declining or gone. In areas where conflicts implementation of these plans. between humans and bears are common, grizzly bear ¡ populations are more likely to decline. ¡ The Southern Lakes Regional Wildlife Assessment and Recommendations was developed by Grizzly bears are nationally assessed by the Committee governments (First Nations, Yukon, Canada, and on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as a Species of Special Concern. Once listed British Columbia) to recover and conserve wildlife in the federal Species at Risk Act, the Conservation populations and their habitat in the Southern Plan for Grizzly Bear in Yukon will provide important Lakes area. Yukon-specific context and guidance to support the development of a national plan for grizzly bears. Taking action The conservation plan considers many aspects of grizzly bear conservation with particular focus on habitat and ¡¡ Many fish and wildlife surveys and habitat land use issues, hunting, reducing conflicts between mapping initiatives have been completed in grizzly bears and humans, wildlife viewing and tourism traditional territories due to issues identified values, and improving our understanding of grizzly bear through community-based planning. populations and ecology. The conservation plan provides overarching direction ¡¡ Opportunities for working with different agencies for addressing the range of values and issues related to to address fish and wildlife management concerns grizzly bear conservation across Yukon. Although local in communities are often identified through these or regulatory issues are not specifically addressed in the work plans. plan, it contains related recommendations. The working group engaged with First Nations, ¡¡ Art work done by youth in the communities have Inuvialuit, boards and councils, non-governmental been featured in the completed plans. organizations, interest groups, and the public to gather Yukon’s collective knowledge and wisdom about grizzly bears. The plan integrates local, traditional and scientific knowledge. The draft conservation plan went out for public engagement from October to December 2018.

A report on environmental indicators 57 Fish and wildlife

Figure 1: Map of areas covered by community-based fish and wildlife work plans and regional assessments of wildlife.

58 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

Little Salmon Carmacks Community-based Fish and Wildlife Work Plan

The Little Salmon Carmacks Community-Based Fish Sheep and Wildlife Work Plan has been updated with new ¡¡ The Magundy-Little Salmon Lake and priorities for 2019-2023. The plan is a tool to come Glenlyons Range sheep populations were together and coordinate priorities for fish, wildlife, and habitat issues within the Traditional Territory of the surveyed in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation. The plan allows ¡¡ A survey was conducted in the Division for stronger communication and information sharing Mountain area in 2017 to evaluate important between parties and the community. sheep habitats. 2012 to 2017 work plan successes Wildlife conflict Klaza Caribou ¡¡ Electric fences were put up at the Carmacks ¡¡ There was an extensive amount of work waste management facility which has reduced completed to better understand the Klaza caribou the number of problem foxes and wolves in herd. town. ¡¡ A five-year study of the Klaza caribou herd was ¡¡ There are ongoing efforts to get information completed and involved monitoring radio collared out to the community on human-wildlife caribou, habitat mapping, lichen mapping, ground conflicts and how to avoid these situations. disturbance mapping and fire risk mapping. Further community input is needed to continue ¡¡ A full herd population count was completed in to address these concerns. 2012. ¡¡ A range assessment evaluating cumulative The planning team identified new priorities based on effects on the herd was written. community input. The most important priorities to address in the Traditional Territory over the next five Freshwater fish years include: ¡¡ Lake trout population assessments and angler ¡¡ Cumulative effects on fish and wildlife: surveys were completed on Frenchman Lake Further our understanding of the impacts and Twin Lakes and a lake trout survey was of development, particularly mining and conducted on Mandanna Lake. exploration, on fish and wildlife and their ¡¡ Results from the Twin and Frenchman Lakes habitat within the Traditional Territory. This will surveys led to regulation changes to limit angler include an evaluation of the effects of increased harvest. access to remote areas and reclamation of past Moose development. ¡ ¡¡ Workshops to map local knowledge of important ¡ Climate change: Further our understanding moose habitat and discuss moose management of the potential impacts of climate change on in the Carmacks area were held in 2012, 2013, fish and wildlife and their habitat within the and 2015. Traditional Territory to better prepare for future scenario planning and adaptation needs. ¡¡ Aerial surveys to map late winter moose habitat ¡ were carried out in 2012 and 2013. ¡ Moose: Complete a Traditional Territory-wide moose range assessment to better prepare ¡¡ The Tatchun moose population was surveyed in for future land development, and to effectively 2013. manage moose and their habitat. This will ¡¡ The Carmacks Community Moose Monitoring involve identifying culturally and ecologically Project continues to be active and all moose important areas for moose. harvest is monitored by Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and the Government of Yukon and is discussed annually at May Gathering.

A report on environmental indicators 59 Fish and wildlife

Caribou population and ¡¡ Across Canada, boreal woodland caribou are designated as a Threatened Species under distribution Canada’s Species at Risk Act.

Significance ¡¡ Of the 26 Northern Mountain woodland caribou Caribou are important ecologically and culturally. Many herds present in Yukon, four are increasing in size, people in Yukon rely on caribou for subsistence and seven are considered relatively stable and three spiritual well-being. Conserving and protecting key are declining. caribou habitat – rutting areas, migration corridors ¡¡ The declines in Yukon herds and across the and winter range – is important for herd health and circumpolar north may be due to environmental abundance. changes, natural population cycles, or human Caribou herds that cross jurisdictional boundaries influences such as harvest and development. require a coordinated approach to their management. For example, the Porcupine caribou herd has a range ¡¡ Population trends are unknown for 12 of the that covers Yukon, Alaska, and the Northwest Territories. woodland caribou herds. ¡¡ The Ibex caribou herd is expanding its range to the north, south and west. Information collected by the Government of Yukon and by members of the public indicates that this herd is now being seen in areas where it has not been observed for many decades, particularly west of Kusawa Lake.

¡¡ Based on the area of mapped disturbances (human-caused and fire-related), Yukon’s boreal caribou are considered “self-sustaining” (i.e., stable), under Environment and Climate Change Canada’s boreal caribou recovery guidelines. Yukon’s boreal caribou are small in number and represent a small fraction of the overall boreal caribou population in Canada and are contiguous with boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories. Woodland caribou. Photo: Cameron Eckert. Large migratory caribou herds

What is happening? ¡¡ In 2016, COSEWIC assessed all “barren-ground” caribou in Canada as a Threatened Species. There are two subspecies of caribou in Yukon, Rangifer Yukon’s Porcupine caribou herd is included in this tarandus granti, which are the large migratory herds assessment. (e.g., Porcupine, Fortymile and Nelchina) and Rangifer tarandus caribou, which are more sedentary woodland ¡¡ The Fortymile and Nelchina herds are not herds (e.g., Northern Mountain and boreal). considered “barren-ground” caribou under COSEWIC’s barren-ground caribou assessment Woodland caribou herds and their status has not been assessed. ¡¡ In 2014, the Committee on the Status of ¡¡ In Yukon, all of the large migratory caribou herds, Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) re- Fortymile, Nelchina, and Porcupine, are increasing assessed all Northern Mountain woodland caribou in size. in Canada as a Species of Special Concern. These caribou are designated as such under Canada’s ¡¡ Starting in the winter of 2013-14, the Fortymile Species at Risk Act. caribou herd dramatically increased its presence in Yukon, expanding its recent range to the east

60 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

BE A U F O R T S E A (A R C T I C O C E A N ) Caribou Herd Distribution

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Figure 1: Distribution of caribou herds in Yukon, 2017.

A report on environmental indicators 61 Fish and wildlife

and southeast, back to historic ranges last used in the 1960s. This movement of Fortymile caribou into Yukon was aided by conservation actions in Yukon and Alaska initiated in 1995. At roughly the same time, the Nelchina herd also began moving into Yukon during the winter months. Its range in Yukon overlaps substantively with the Fortymile herd. Taking action

¡¡ The Government of Yukon monitors several caribou herds each year to assess overall status and trends. Collared caribou are key for monitoring the Fortymile caribou herd. ¡¡ Recovery plans for woodland caribou populations Photo: Scott Cameron. have been developed under the federal Species at Risk Act. Caribou mercury levels ¡¡ Harvest management plans have been developed Significance for the Fortymile and Porcupine caribou herds in collaboration with co-management partners. Contaminants such as heavy metals can persist in the environment and can have serious health implications ¡¡ An international, multi-jurisdictional management for wildlife and for people, especially people who plan for the Chisana herd has been developed. depend on traditional foods. In Canada, mercury is a risk to Canadian ecosystems and human health Data quality (Environment and Climate Change Canada 2016). ¡¡ Caribou herd population status (size and trend) is Many contaminants found in the North were never used typically determined through aerial surveys, which in the region but have been transported here by wind estimate both herd size and the number of calves and water, as they tend to settle in areas with colder produced each year. climates. Many contaminant sources have been banned or restricted for many years, but still persist in northern ¡ ¡ The Government of Yukon has modified its ecosystems. approach over the past few years to use aerial surveys in combination with radio-collared Caribou feed on lichen that can directly absorb airborne animals to monitor Northern Mountain woodland contaminants, such as mercury. The annual changes caribou herds. in mercury in Porcupine caribou may reflect changes in atmospheric mercury levels or changes in the ¡¡ This approach has increased the precision environment (e.g., temperature, precipitation and wind) of population estimates as well as provided that affect how mercury moves from the air to caribou additional information on seasonal ranges and forage. habitat use. What is happening? ¡ ¡ The sizes of large migratory herds are estimated In 2016, samples were collected from 23 Porcupine using aerial photo-census techniques. The caribou. Government of Yukon partners with the Government of Alaska, which leads these surveys. Mercury concentrations in liver are generally lower than in kidneys, averaging 1.8 μg/g dry weight. While mercury levels fluctuate over time in caribou organs, over the long term it has remained stable in the Porcupine caribou herd.

62 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

Yukon health advisories assessment was conducted between 2012 and 2014 by an international group of over 60 experts. ¡¡ Meat (muscle) from Yukon caribou is a healthy Recommendations from the report were delivered food choice, as heavy metals are present in very to Arctic Council Ministers at their meeting in low concentrations. Iqaluit in April 2015. ¡¡ Intake of kidney and liver from Yukon caribou Data quality should be restricted depending on the herd (e.g., a maximum of 25 kidneys or 12 livers from the ¡¡ Data are available for kidneys and livers only. This Porcupine herd per year). does not reflect the amount of mercury in the

2.6 muscle (meat) of the animal.

2.4 ¡¡ The gender of the animal as well as season of

2.2 collection can affect Mercury concentrations.

2 ¡¡ Generally, this program collects samples in the fall.

1.8

g/g g/g weight) dry ¡¡ Annual variation in mercury concentrations is μ 1.6 common. 1.4

1.2 References Kidney mercury( 1 ¡¡ AMAP. 2015. AMAP Assessment 2015: Human

0.8 Health in the Arctic. AMAP, Oslo, Norway. 2015. Available from: amap.no/documents/doc/AMAP- 0.6 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 Assessment-2015-Human-Health-in-the- Arctic/1346. Figure 1: Average mercury concentrations found in the kidneys of Porcupine caribou bulls. ¡¡ Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2016. Canadian Mercury Science Assessment [modified Taking action 2017 Jun 12; cited 2019 Jan 4]. Available from: ¡¡ The federal Northern Contaminants Program has canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/ measured mercury levels in the Porcupine caribou services/pollutants/mercury-environment/science- herd since 1994 to determine if these populations assessment-executive-summary.html. remain healthy (in terms of contaminant loads) ¡¡ Gamberg M. 2013. Arctic caribou contaminant and whether they remain a safe and healthy food monitoring program. Pages 257-266 in Aboriginal choice for northerners. Affairs and Northern Development Canada. ¡¡ The Porcupine caribou data were part of a dataset Synopsis of Research Conducted under the 2012- submitted by the Northern Contaminant Program 2013 Northern Contaminants Program. Aboriginal to the United Nations Environmental Programme. Affairs and Northern Development Canada. The data was provided to support the Minamata Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Available from Convention, a global treaty to protect human publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2014/ health and the environment from the adverse aadnc-aandc/R71-64-2013-eng.pdf. effects of mercury. Signatories to the Convention ¡¡ Northern Contaminants Program. 2015. Northern work towards controlling how much mercury is Contaminants Program [modified 2018 Nov 26; released into the environment. The 50-ratification cited 2019 Jan 4]. Available from: science.gc.ca/ milestone was reached on May 18, 2017, and the eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_7A463DBA.html. Convention came into force on August 16, 2017. ¡¡ United Nations Environmental Programme ¡ ¡ The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (UNEP). 2015. Minamata Convention on (AMAP) Assessment 2015: Human Health in the Mercury [cited 2019 Jan 4]. Available from: Arctic is an assessment of Arctic human health mercuryconvention.org. impacts of contaminants and other stressors. The

A report on environmental indicators 63 Fish and wildlife

Density of snowshoe hares such as predator abundance, alternative prey abundance (e.g., arctic ground squirrels or grouse) or browse Significance intensity (impact on shrubs). This information is valuable to research programs, park and forest management, and Snowshoe hare is a key component of the boreal as baseline information for environmental assessments. ecosystem. In Yukon, hares make up almost 50 per cent of available food for predators (Figure 1). Their Monitoring of snowshoe hare numbers provides a abundance regulates the predator populations that rely continuous record of the response of this key ecosystem on them for food. They also have a significant impact component to changes over time. The consequences on the plant communities they eat from, and other small of climate change on boreal ecosystem dynamics are mammals that predators eat when snowshoe hare difficult to predict, and biologists rely on long-term numbers are low. monitoring programs to detect and understand these responses.

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ed n ailed a olverine

Figure 1: Predators of snowshoe hare. Young snowshoe hare. Snowshoe hare populations fluctuate in nine to 10 year cycles throughout the boreal ecosystem. The dominant driver of this process is predation. The cycles appear to What is happening? be in sync across Yukon. The Keystone Boreal Species Trend (KBST) project Because snowshoe hare are one of the most important monitors snowshoe hare density at undisturbed forested components of boreal food webs, monitoring their sites in different regions of Yukon. numbers is valuable. Long-term data on their abundance can provide information on the population fluctuations of their key predators, such as lynx, which is a valued furbearing animal to trappers. The timing and size of the snowshoe hare population peaks help biologists see where trends are headed when assessing potential changes in the boreal ecosystem,

64 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

Taking action

¡¡ The KBST has five stations for ongoing monitoring in Yukon’s boreal forests. There are stations near Faro, Kluane, Mayo, Watson Lake and Whitehorse.

¡¡ An annual report on these trends is produced (e.g., Krebs et al. 2017), and various researchers utilize these data to assist in understanding the dynamic food web of the boreal forest ecosystem. The Government of Yukon’s Biodiversity Programs provides access to this information.

Figure 2: Population density estimate for snowshoe hare in Kluane region, 1977–2018. Recapture data for hares are given as histogram bars, and estimates of lynx abundance are given as points (95 per cent confidence limits). Hare densities in other regions of Yukon are estimated through fecal pellet counts. The fecal pellet count data was unavailable at the time of publication.

2006 and 2017 were the last peaks in the snowshoe hare cycle. Currently the hare population cycle is in its decline phase. The amplitude of the snowshoe hare cycle has been diminishing over the last 30 years in Yukon, demonstrated by research in the Kluane area going back to 1973 (Krebs et al. 2014).

The reason for this change is currently unknown. Snowshoe hare in winter. Because the snowshoe hare cycle is mostly driven by predation pressure, the answer may be related to changes in predation success. Snow conditions are likely Data quality to change with climate change and this may affect the hunting success of both avian and terrestrial predators ¡¡ KBST estimates the number of snowshoe hares of snowshoe hare. by live trapping, marking and releasing individuals The KBST project also monitors lynx abundance through at the Kluane monitoring station. They also count winter track counts. Their abundance fluctuates with fecal pellets yearly at all monitoring stations to snowshoe hare abundance. Lynx numbers increased in come up with an estimate of how many hares are all areas as the hare numbers increased in recent years. in each area. However, lynx abundance was higher than expected ¡¡ Hare density is calculated by dividing the number for the last low of the hare cycle in Kluane, indicating of hares by the number of hectares in the potential predation pressure on alternative prey monitoring area. populations. Currently lynx numbers are expected to decline as the hare population declines. ¡¡ Data from most KBST areas are available from 2005 onwards. Monitoring has occurred in the Kluane area since 1973, but the protocols and additional areas were developed in 2004, so comparisons can only occur from 2005 onwards.

A report on environmental indicators 65 Fish and wildlife

References What is happening?

¡¡ Krebs C.J., R. Boonstra, S. Boutin, A.R.E. Winter ticks affect different species in different ways. Sinclair, J.N.M. Smith, B.S. Gilbert, K. Martin, M. ¡¡ In early autumn, elk and deer groom off larval O’Donoghue, and R. Turkington. 2014. Trophic ticks, which reduces tick numbers and minimizes dynamics of the boreal forests of the Kluane negative health impacts. Region. Arctic 67, Supplement 1:71-81. ¡¡ Moose only begin to groom off ticks once adult ¡¡ Krebs C., T. Powell, T. Jung, M. O’Donoghue, P. ticks are present (late winter), which can lead to Kukka, J. Staniforth, S. Gilbert, S. Taylor, A. Francis, high numbers of ticks on individual moose. R. Boonstra, S. Boutin, and A. Kenney. 2017. The Community Ecological Monitoring Program ¡¡ Moose can experience severe disease associated Annual Data Report 2017. Yukon Department of with blood and hair loss from heavy tick burdens. Environment, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. ¡¡ Since 2012, the Government of Yukon’s Animal Health Unit has examined cervid hides to monitor Winter tick surveillance winter tick geographical presence over time (Figure 1). Significance Winter ticks (Dermacentor albipictus) are one-host external parasites that can be found on cervids such Species Number of % hides found as elk, mule deer, and moose in Yukon. These parasites hides sampled with winter can negatively affect host health when present in large ticks (actual numbers. Moose are especially vulnerable because they number) do not groom off larval stages of ticks. In some regions Mule deer 57 58% (33) of Canada, winter ticks can be responsible for severe disease and mortality in moose. Moose 7 14% (1) To date, data suggests that winter ticks are not a major Elk 53 74% (39) disease concern for Yukon cervids. By studying the Caribou 12 9% (1) distribution and occurrence of winter ticks in Yukon, we are monitoring how these parasites may affect Yukon’s Table 1: Hides examined for winter ticks between 2011 and 2018. wild cervid populations and how their geographical distribution may change over time. This is especially important for species such as moose, which are a key harvest species in Yukon. Winter ticks do not carry diseases of concern to humans or wildlife, nor do they negatively affect the meat of harvested animals. Winter ticks do not feed on people and are rarely found on domestic animals. Climate may be an important factor in the tick-cervid relationship. Warmer temperatures in the summer and winter may support larger populations of cervids that carry ticks, and allow larval ticks to survive longer in the environment. A changing climate could influence vegetation patterns and winter temperatures thereby influencing the distribution and presence of wildlife Figure 1: The known distribution of winter ticks based on hides parasites like winter ticks. examined to date (collected between 2011-2018).

66 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

¡¡ Winter ticks are established on elk in Yukon. animals or live animals, which increases the number of Winter ticks likely originated in Yukon from animals that can be examined. The Animal Health Unit translocation of elk from central Alberta, and/or by has used the standardized hair transect method on range expansion from northern British Columbia hides collected since 2011. and Alberta (Leo et al. 2014). References ¡¡ Winter ticks have been found on cervids in 15 out Leo S., W. Samuel, M. Pybus, and F. Sperling. 2014. of the 21 Game Management Zones where hides Origin of Dermacentor Albipictus (Acari:Ixodidae) on have been examined. Elk in the Yukon, Canada. Journal of Wildlife Diseases ¡¡ The Animal Health Unit uses an index from 0 to 50(3):544-551. 10 to describe the severity of winter tick burdens on the hides that are sampled. While the majority Sustainability of lake trout of hides have light burdens (indexed from 1 to 2) fisheries some have heavier burdens (indexed from 3 to 8), with one moose hide having 543 ticks, which Significance corresponds to a burden ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 ticks (index of 8). The health of lake trout populations reflect the general health of an aquatic ecosystem due to the species’: Taking action ¡¡ slow growth; The Animal Health Unit continues to monitor for winter ticks through assessment of cervid hides. Elk hides are a ¡¡ position at the top of the aquatic food chain; and mandatory harvest submission, while deer, caribou and moose hides are submitted voluntarily. ¡¡ reliance on healthy and clean habitats. So far, all of the hides examined have been from As an indicator species, monitoring the sustainability of Southern Yukon (see Figure 1) which has provided lake trout populations can provide valuable information good baseline data on winter ticks in this region. In about the ecosystem. This species is also highly valued order to understand what is happening in other parts in Yukon fisheries. Monitoring the harvest data and of Yukon, more hides from other areas are needed calculating the optimal sustainable yield for each lake for this surveillance. Hunters from all over Yukon are informs management decisions such as changes to encouraged to contact the Department of Environment catch and possession limits. to submit cervid hides for examination. Since 2017, the Animal Health Unit and the University of Toronto are collaborating on a project that will help us better understand the geographical distribution of winter ticks in Yukon and the impacts of climate change on ticks and their hosts. The goals of this project are to:

¡¡ predict changes in winter tick distribution in Yukon;

¡¡ better understand the survival of winter ticks in cold and wet weather; and

¡¡ predict changes in the exposure of host populations to winter ticks in Yukon. Data quality The Animal Health Unit uses a standardized hair transect method to evaluate the level or severity of tick Lake trout. burden. The method can be used on hides, unskinned

A report on environmental indicators 67 Fish and wildlife

What is happening? • In some cases, harvest may appear to be sustainable when, in fact, a lake trout population Recreational harvest data are available for the lakes in has been depleted. For example, while the Yukon where the most intensive fishing activity takes lake trout harvest in Braeburn, Laberge, Little place. Fisheries on other lakes are expected to be within Atlin, Frenchman, Pine, Teslin, Ethel, and Louise sustainable levels, due to low fishing activity. Generally, lakes is below the sustainable threshold, it may small lakes are more vulnerable to overharvesting prove unsustainable because these lake trout because of their smaller lake trout populations and lower populations appear to be depleted. sustainable yields. Harvest of fish is considered to be unsustainable when • Snafu and Tarfu lakes have been removed from it exceeds the “optimal sustainable yield.” Overharvested Figure 1. In 2015, a regulation change was populations will decline and fishing will become poor if implemented for both lakes resulting in a zero no management action is taken. retention limit for lake trout. Angler harvest surveys were completed on Snafu and Tarfu In 2017: lakes in 2017, but there is no lake trout harvest to • The majority of the recreational lake trout harvest report. in Yukon was sustainable, with most water bodies maintaining quality fisheries. Taking action

• Lake trout harvest in Fox, Caribou, and Fish lakes ¡¡ In 2017, the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management exceeded sustainable limits according to most Board recommended regulation changes for recent angler harvest data. Fish, Laberge, Ladue, Little Salmon, Mayo, Twin,

500

450

400 Angler harvest sustainable 350 Harvest exceeded sustainable limits Potentially depleted 300 Optimal sustainable yield

250

200

150

Harvest is increasingly unsustainable 100 Harvest is sustainable 50 Angler harvest as a percentage of the optimal sustainable yield sustainable the optimal of a percentage as harvest Angler 0

Figure 1: Sustainability of angler harvest on select Yukon lake trout populations based on most recent angler harvest data up to 2017.

68 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

Nares lakes, and Nares River to reduce catch and The international Yukon River Salmon Agreement has possession limits for lake trout in order to maintain formally been in place since 2002 to help rebuild and a sustainable fishery. These changes came into conserve Canadian-origin salmon stocks and to define effect on April 1, 2018. An evaluation of these harvest allocations to Canadian and US fisheries. The changes is planned for future years. Yukon River Panel established a spawning conservation target for the number of Chinook salmon returning to ¡¡ In 2018, the Government of Yukon’s Fish and spawn in the Canadian portion of the Yukon River. Wildlife Branch performed lake trout and lake whitefish population assessments at three lakes; burbot population assessments at one lake; and performed angler harvest surveys at five lakes. Data from these surveys are currently being analyzed. Data quality

¡¡ The optimal sustainable yield is derived from a model based on physical and chemical parameters of the lake, such as temperature and nutrient content.

Number of spawning Chinook salmon

Significance Chinook salmon are a key food source for bears, eagles and other predators and they bring nutrients from the ocean to freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Salmon are important culturally, socially and economically in Yukon. Capturing lake trout in gill nets to estimate their density and abundance. Chinook salmon returns vary considerably due to a number of factors, including:

¡¡ the strength of returning age classes;

¡¡ in-river harvest;

¡¡ offshore unintentional by-catch in the pollock fishery;

¡¡ predation;

¡¡ disease;

¡¡ water levels;

¡¡ temperature; and

¡¡ environmental variables, e.g., climatic events such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, El Niño, and La Niña. Salmon in the Takhini River.

A report on environmental indicators 69 Fish and wildlife

The goal is for an escapement (number of fish reaching 90,000 spawning grounds) of 42,500 to 55,000 fish. This is 80,000 tracked by the federal government through Fisheries 70,000 and Oceans Canada. 60,000 50,000 What is happening? 40,000 30,000

20,000 ¡¡ In 2017, the spawning conservation target for salmon of Number Yukon River Chinook was met, with a preliminary 10,000 estimate of approximately 70,000 fish reaching 0 their spawning grounds in the Yukon (Figure 1). Number of spawners ¡¡ This was the sixth time in the last ten years that Goal the spawning escapement target was met, and Figure 1: Number of Chinook salmon spawning in the Canadian one of the highest escapements on record. portion of the Yukon River, excluding the Porcupine River drainage. Source: Yukon River Salmon Season Summary and Season Outlook. ¡¡ The 2017 drainage-wide run size (i.e., the number of Chinook salmon that entered the river) was not particularly strong relative to historical levels. As such, the high spawning escapement was only made possible through closures to the commercial, domestic and recreational fisheries, and significant harvest restrictions in subsistence and First Nation fisheries in Alaska and Yukon. Taking action To maintain a healthy number of spawning salmon even in this time of low productivity, fisheries managers in Yukon and Alaska have undertaken a range of actions, including:

¡¡ full or partial closures of commercial, domestic and recreational fisheries;

¡¡ closing key staging or salmon spawning areas to angling; Children releasing salmon into Wolf Creek. ¡¡ decreasing mesh sizes;

¡¡ selective release of female salmon; and Data quality

¡¡ reducing fishing times. Estimates of the total number of salmon that return to their spawning grounds in Yukon are based on In addition, Yukon First Nations have placed voluntary sonar passage estimates in Eagle, Alaska and harvest restrictions or avoided subsistence harvesting activities estimates from fisheries upstream of the sonar in both in years of low returns. Alaska and Yukon. The Yukon River Panel, established by the Yukon River In addition, a number of counting projects in the upper Salmon Agreement, recommends spawning goals, Yukon River watershed are used to monitor the number reviews management strategies and conservation of adult salmon that reach specific spawning tributaries. objectives, and funds restoration and enhancement These projects also evaluate the proportion of adult projects focusing on Canadian-origin salmon stocks. female to male salmon, and the size and age of fish returning to spawn.

70 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

References The United States and Canada Yukon River Joint Technical Committee. 2001-2015. Yukon River Salmon Season Summary and Season Outlook. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Anchorage, Alaska, USA [cited 2019 Jan 4]. Available from: yukonriverpanel.com/ publications/yukon-river-joint-technical-committee- reports. Yukon River Panel. 2008. Yukon River Salmon [cited 2019 Jan 4]. Available from: yukonriverpanel.com/about- us/yukon-river-panel/yukon-river-salmon.

Trumpeter swan population monitoring Trumpeter Swan in flight. Photo: Cameron Eckert. Significance The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designated Trumpeter Swans as a species of Special Concern in 1978. Their status was re-examined and they were found to no longer be at risk in 1996, largely based on surveys of Trumpeter Swan breeding grounds in northern Canada and Alaska (COSEWIC 2011). What is happening?

¡¡ Yukon has two swan populations – the Rocky Mountain Population and the Pacific Coast Population, surveyed since 1985 in Yukon and northern BC.

¡¡ The Pacific Coast Population breeds mainly in Alaska, but also in Yukon and northwestern BC.

¡¡ The Rocky Mountain Population breeds mainly in Alberta, western Saskatchewan, southern Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.

Figure 1: Breeding distribution of Trumpeter Swan populations in North America sampled in the Yukon as part of the 2015 North American Trumpeter Swan Survey. Source: Groves 2017.

A report on environmental indicators 71 Fish and wildlife

14000 ¡¡ The survey is conducted across Trumpeter Swan breeding grounds every five years. Surveys have 12000 been conducted since 1968. 10000 ¡¡ The survey was originally designed as a complete 8000 census, i.e., counting all the birds across the entire

6000 range. By 1995, increases in the Trumpeter Swan population made a complete census unfeasible

Population estimate 4000 and a stratified random sampling approach was 2000 adopted, i.e., randomly selecting map grids to survey which are likely to have breeding swans. 0 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 Pacific Coast Rocky Mountain All

Figure 2: Population estimates for Canadian Trumpeter Swans.

¡¡ The 2015 estimate for the Canadian portion of the Rocky Mountain Population was 10,957 (SE = 227) compared to the 5,773 (SE = 295) estimate for 2010. The Canadian flock increased 11.5 per cent annually from 1968 to 2015.

¡¡ The 2015 estimate for the Canadian portion of the Pacific Coast Population was 2,225 (SE = 436) compared to the 1,141 (SE = 294) estimate for 2010. The Yukon – northwestern British Columbia flock increased 14.5 per cent annually from 1985 to 2015.

¡¡ All Canadian areas of the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Coast Populations exhibited growth since Trumpeter Swans. Photo: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Jim Hawkings. the 2010 survey. Taking action Surveys coordinated by Environment and Climate References Change Canada in Yukon contribute to national and Canadian Wildlife Service Waterfowl Committee. 2017. international trend and population estimates for Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada: Trumpeter Swans. November 2017. CWS Migratory Birds Regulatory Report Number 49. Available from: canada.ca/en/ The Government of Yukon operates the Swan Haven environment-climate-change/services/migratory-game- Interpretive Centre, where visitors can view and learn bird-hunting/consultation-process-regulations/report- about M’Clintock Bay on Marsh Lake, an important series/population-status-2017.html. staging area for migrating swans, waterfowl, gulls and shorebirds. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). 2011. Canadian Wildlife Species at Data quality Risk. Environment Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. ¡¡ Continued monitoring of this species occurs Groves D.J., compiler. 2017. The 2015 North through the North American Trumpeter Swan American Trumpeter Swan Survey. US Fish and Survey, available through Wildlife Service, Juneau, Alaska, USA. Available trumpeterswansociety.org. Yukon contributes from: fws.gov/migratorybirds/pdf/surveys-and-data/ survey information of its swan populations to the NATrumpeterSwanSurvey_2015.pdf. continent-wide monitoring.

72 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

Monitoring breeding waterfowl This indicator provides information about waterfowl through an example of a diving duck (Lesser/Greater Significance Scaup) and a dabbling duck (Mallard) in two survey areas in Yukon. Yukon is the summer breeding home for more than 30 species of waterfowl and provides critical staging areas Monitoring waterfowl presence and abundance gives for birds migrating in the spring and fall seasons. a good indication of the ecological health of an area, as waterfowl depend on wetland areas for food, nesting Specific threats to Yukon waterfowl include: areas, and cover from predators. ¡¡ Removal of standing dead wood (i.e., snags, What is happening? standing dead trees) from areas along lake and river margins by commercial or small-scale timber There are two long-term survey areas for Yukon harvest removes potential nesting cavities and waterfowl: sheltering areas for waterfowl. ¡¡ Old Crow Flats is Yukon’s largest wetland for ¡¡ Changes in water regimes due to climate change waterfowl and is considered globally significant. or human activities (e.g., hydroelectric projects) This 12,122 km2 area is almost completely free may change the timing of ice formation and/or of development. It is used by the Vuntut Gwitchin spring break-up. This has the potential to alter First Nation for hunting, trapping and cultural migration stopover sites for waterfowl either by activities. preventing access (e.g., no open water in spring ¡¡ The Yukon Southern Lakes region features highly time) or by changing the accessibility of food (e.g., productive inlets and outlets of numerous large if water is too deep, waterfowl may not be able to lakes that provide important waterfowl staging reach submerged vegetation). areas. ¡¡ Disturbance of waterfowl due to increased human Overall, waterfowl populations in Old Crow Flats and recreational activity (e.g., loose dogs, boating, the Southern Lakes region are stable, though there is etc.) has detrimental effects on foraging efficiency annual variation in populations among species. and body fat acquisition. It is especially important during spring migration when there is often less time and less space (due to ice cover) for birds to acquire the resources they need to ensure successful reproduction.

Lesser Scaup. Photo: Cameron Eckert.

Diving ducks – Lesser and Greater Scaup Diving ducks are named by their habit of diving for food. As well, they generally nest close to the water’s edges. The presence and abundance of diving ducks are indicators of water health. Lesser and Greater Scaup are two diving duck species that are grouped for the purpose of this monitoring

Waterfowl and gulls in flight.

A report on environmental indicators 73 Fish and wildlife

analysis since they are almost impossible to distinguish Dabbling ducks - Mallard during aerial surveys. Scaup are in decline across North Dabbling ducks walk well on land and can nest far from America with estimated populations approximately the water’s edge. They feed on grass and seeds on 43 per cent below the North American Waterfowl land, as well as algae, plants and insects in the water. Management Plan (2012) conservation goal of 6.3 The presence and abundance of dabbling ducks are million. indicators of the health of a wetland area. ¡¡ At Old Crow Flats, the 2018 combined Lesser Mallard is a common dabbling duck that is also and Greater Scaup total adult population estimate extensively hunted in Canada; therefore, their was 45902 (SE = 19848.37), 32 per cent below populations are monitored. Across North America, the estimate from 2017. This is also 54 per cent Mallard populations are 26 per cent above the North below the long-term average (1955 to 2018) of American Waterfowl Management Plan target. Scaup in this area (Figure 1). ¡¡ At Old Crow Flats, the 2018 Mallard total adult 200,000 population estimate was 11,595 (SE = 47779.49) 180,000 - 42 per cent below the 2017 estimate. There is 160,000 an overall increasing trend for Mallards; the 2018 140,000 estimate is 18 per cent above the long-term 120,000 average (1955 to 2018) at Old Crow Flats 100,000 (Figure 2). 80,000 50,000 60,000

Estimated populationtotal 45,000 40,000 40,000 20,000 35,000 0 30,000

25,000

Figure 1: Adult population estimate for Lesser and Greater Scaup at 20,000 Old Crow Flats. 15,000

Estimated populationtotal 10,000 ¡¡ The Southern Lakes ground surveys also show that Lesser and Greater Scaup are in decline. 5,000 Although from 2012 to 2013 there was a 28 0

per cent increase in the breeding pairs of Scaup counted, since the start of the survey in 1991, Figure 2: Adult population estimate for Mallard at Old Crow Flats. there has been a decreasing trend.

¡¡ The Southern Lakes ground survey shows that there is a modest long-term increasing population trend (over 15 years) for Mallards. Additionally, from 2012 to 2013 the breeding pair population of Mallards observed increased by 20 per cent.

Mallard hen on Hidden Lakes. Photo: Jamie Kenyon

74 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

be non-random and not representative of the available off-road habitat.

¡¡ This ground survey tracks trends only, not population estimates.

¡¡ Ground surveys provide better accuracy for identification at the species level, but are limited by the requirement for road/foot access and are not suited to population estimates. Aerial surveys cover larger areas and are better suited for population estimates. References

Mallard pair. Photo: Jamie Kenyon. Canadian Wildlife Service Waterfowl Committee. 2017. Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada: Taking action November 2017. CWS Migratory Birds Regulatory Report Number 49. Available from: canada.ca/en/ The North American Waterfowl Management Plan sets environment-climate-change/services/migratory-game- conservation goals for waterfowl across the continent; bird-hunting/consultation-process-regulations/report- Yukon surveys contribute to information for continent- series/population-status-2017.html. wide population monitoring. See the plan at: nawmp.wetlandnetwork.ca. North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Canada). 2013. North American Waterfowl Data quality Management Plan [cited 2019 Jan 4]. Available from: Surveys are conducted annually in the Old Crow Flats nawmp.wetlandnetwork.ca. wetland. In the Southern Lakes region, wetlands are US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018. Waterfowl surveyed along roadsides. population status, 2018. US Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., USA. Available from: fws.gov/birds/ Old Crow Flats surveys-and-data/reports-and-publications/population- status.php. ¡¡ US Fish and Wildlife Waterfowl Population Status: fws.gov/birds/surveys-and-data/reports-and- publications/population-status.php. Monitoring wild sheep and goat

¡¡ The annual aerial surveys are carried out on one health day; count results may be influenced by weather conditions. Significance Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is a bacterium that Southern Lakes ground survey has been identified as an important component in pneumonia outbreaks in bighorn sheep in the western ¡¡ Cooperative Yukon Roadside Waterfowl Breeding USA and British Columbia. M. ovipneumoniae can be Population Survey: canada.ca/en/environment- carried by apparently healthy domestic sheep and climate-change/services/migratory-game-bird- goats, but can cause severe respiratory disease in wild hunting/consultation-process-regulations/report- ungulates. series/population-status-2017.html. Pneumonia outbreaks in bighorn sheep have resulted in ¡¡ The survey consisted of counts in a sample of high rates of illness and death, and are associated with wetlands, conducted four or five times from early contact between wild sheep and domestic sheep or May to mid-June between 1991 and 2016. The goats. M. ovipneumoniae has potential to cause severe survey was discontinued after the 2016 field respiratory disease in wild thinhorn sheep and mountain season. Survey wetlands were adjacent to the road and wetland selection was determined to

A report on environmental indicators 75 Fish and wildlife goats across their range, including Yukon, although no 140 123 pneumonia outbreaks have been detected in Yukon to 120 date. 100 Concern for the health of wild sheep and goats in Yukon has resulted in increased surveillance for M. 80 60 ovipneumoniae in Yukon wildlife. The Government of 60 Yukon’s Animal Health Unit (AHU) has been testing 40 34 nasal swabs collected from harvested and found-dead 27 thinhorn sheep and mountain goats in Yukon since 20 2015. Nasal swabs may be collected by hunters in the Number Number thinhornof sheep tested 0 field, or AHU staff collect samples from sheep heads 2015 2016 2017 2018 that are brought into government offices for mandatory Year verification of age.

Figure 1: Number of thinhorn sheep tested for M. ovipneumopniae between 2015 and 2018.

Taking action

¡¡ The Animal Health Unit is responsible for health monitoring and diagnosis of disease in both wild and domestic animals.

¡¡ By monitoring for the presence of respiratory pathogens in wild sheep and goats, the AHU will be better informed on the health status of these species across their range in Yukon, and will be better positioned to mitigate occurrences of declining health.

¡¡ The Control Order, which comes into effect in January 2020, will help to protect wild sheep Thinhorn sheep. Photo: Tony Grabowski. and goats from pathogens carried by domestic livestock. What is happening?

¡¡ M. ovipneumoniae testing has been completed for 244 thinhorn sheep and one mountain goat between 2015 and 2018, and the bacterium has not been detected in any of these animals.

¡¡ The AHU continues to work with hunters to collect nasal swabs from harvested sheep and is further expanding the geographic area where these are collected.

¡¡ To help protect wild sheep and goats from respiratory disease, the Government of Yukon has issued a Control Order that specifies strict conditions for keeping domestic sheep and goats in Yukon. This Control Order comes into full effect Thinhorn sheep. Photo: Tony Grabowski. on January 1, 2020.

76 Yukon State of the Environment Interim Report 2019 Fish and wildlife

Collecting a sheep nasal swab

1 If the nose is dirty, wipe 5 Insert the swab deep into 7 Put swab it clean before you begin. one nostril, rotate so the back in tube. swab rubs tissue inside 2 Open the swab wrapper. of the nose.

6 Repeat in the other nostril. If one nostril 3 Remove swab from the contains a lot of blood, tube. only swab the cleaner nostril. 4 Do not touch the swab to 8 Keep swab cool or any surface, including the frozen. Return to an outside of the nose. Environment office as soon as possible.

To get deep into the nostril, point the swab towards the back of the throat. The entire swab (up to the red cap) should be in the nose. If you can’t push the swab the whole way, try a lower angle.

Information for hunters collecting nasal swabs from harvested sheep. Nasal swabCollecting collection a and sheep analysis nasal swab ¡¡ Nasal swabs are collected by sheep hunters in the field or by Government of Yukon staff from sheep heads1 If that the noseare submittedis dirty, wipe for aging. Government5 Insert the swab deep into 7 Put swab of Yukonit clean staff before also youswab begin. sheep that are found one nostril, rotate so the back in tube. dead or that are captured for placement of radio swab rubs tissue inside collars.2 Open the swab wrapper. of the nose.

¡¡ Currently, most nasal swabs are collected from 6 Repeat in the other nostril. If one nostril thinhorn sheep in southern Yukon and from areas 3 Remove swab from the contains a lot of blood, surroundingtube. Dawson City. only swab the cleaner nostril. ¡¡ Nasal4 Doswabs not touch are submitted the swab to to a diagnostic 8 Keep swab cool or laboratoryany surface, to determine including if the M. ovipneumoniae frozen. Return to an Environment office as geneticoutside material of the (DNA) nose. is present. As of Mountain goats. Photo: Carrie McClelland soon as possible. 2018, the AHU has been collecting nasal swab samples in duplicateTo get deep using into the two nostril, different preservation techniquespoint the to swab better towards ensure the that back M. of the throat. The entire swab ovipnuemoniae DNA(up to can the be red detected. cap) should Thus be in far, both techniques havethe nose. yielded If you identical can’t push results. the swab the whole way, try a lower angle.

A report on environmental indicators 77